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Trump threatens to impose secondary tariffs on Russian crude oil if he is unable make a deal with Ukraine

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said that if he felt Moscow was blocking his efforts in ending the war in Ukraine he would impose secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50%. These could begin within a month of no ceasefire.

NBC reported that Trump told NBC News he felt angry and "pissed" when Russian president Vladimir Putin criticized Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president's leadership.

Trump told NBC News on the phone that he plans to meet with Putin this coming week.

Trump repeatedly promised to end the "ridiculous war" in Ukraine during his presidential campaign of 2024. He has been focusing on this issue since he took office on January 20, 2019. Trump has himself called for new Ukrainian elections and called Zelenskiy falsely a dictator.

Putin suggested on Friday that Ukraine could be put under a temporary administration in order to facilitate new elections and sign key accords. This could force Zelenskiy out.

If Russia and I cannot reach an agreement to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine and if I believe it is Russia's responsibility, then I will impose secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia. Trump said that he would impose secondary tariffs on all Russian oil.

Trump stated that "if you purchase oil from Russia you cannot do business with the United States." "There will be 25% tariffs on all oil. A 25-to-50-point tariff for all oil."

He predicted that the oil tariffs would be implemented within a month if there is no ceasefire agreement.

Trump said Putin knew he was angry with him but that they had a "very good relationship" and that "the anger dissipates rapidly... if the right thing is done." (Reporting Andrea Shalal, Editing Rod Nickel).

(source: Reuters)