"Up to 50% Tariff on Russian Oil if No Ceasefire"

Trump to Call Putin This Week

Warns "Bombing if Iran Rejects Nuclear Deal"

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is not achieved, a 25% tariff could be imposed on Russian oil.

In a phone interview with NBC News on the 30th (local time), President Trump said, "I was very angry at President Putin's remarks belittling the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky."

President Trump stated, "If it is determined that Russia is uncooperative in ceasefire negotiations, a tariff will be imposed on Russian oil as a secondary sanction," adding, "Countries importing Russian oil will not be able to do business in the United States." He emphasized, "A 25% tariff will be imposed on all Russian oil, with additional tariffs of up to 50%."

He has pledged since his election campaign to "end the Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office." Indeed, since taking office, he has been continuing multilateral consultations between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. Recently, a partial ceasefire was reached, including guarantees of safety for the Black Sea route and a halt to attacks on energy facilities, but comprehensive ceasefire negotiations remain at a standstill.

President Trump said, "Putin knows that I am angry," but added, "However, if he makes the right decision, the anger will disappear." It is reported that the two leaders will have another phone call this week.

Meanwhile, President Trump also made strong remarks towards Iran in the same interview. He warned, "If Iran refuses to negotiate a nuclear deal with the U.S., there will be bombing at a level they have never seen before." However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeskiyan stated on the same day that "there will be no direct negotiations with the U.S."

Reporter Lee So-hyun y2eonlee@hankyung.com