Trump threatens 100 per cent tariffs on Russia during press conference with NATO chief
US president Donald Trump threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine is not reached within 50 days. He made the announcement on Monday from the Oval Office, alongside NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.
The proposed measures include what Trump referred to as "secondary tariffs" targeting Russia. He said he was prepared to go beyond the initial figure.
"It could also be 102 per cent or maybe even 500 per cent," he told reporters, referencing a Republican proposal. Trump did not clarify how the secondary tariffs would work or which goods they would apply to, but he has previously hinted at sanctions against countries that buy Russian oil.
Trump also expressed frustration with Russian president Vladimir Putin and the stalled negotiations. "I felt like we had a deal four times already. We could have had a deal long ago. People just keep dying," he said. "I’m disappointed in Putin. I also felt misled."
Rutte underscored the human toll of the war, adding: "Hundreds of thousands of Russian deaths since January, that's what president Putin is doing. I hope Moscow is listening now."
Trump said he believed economic pressure was the most effective path forward. By threatening heavy tariffs, he hopes to compel Putin to negotiate a ceasefire. "Trade is a great way to settle wars," he said.
Final warning
He concluded his remarks by reiterating his tough stance on the Russian leader. "Putin is a tough guy who has fooled a lot of people," he said, referring to previous US presidents. "But he's not fooling me. Ultimately, talking doesn't get you anywhere. It has to be about action and results."
Vice president JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were also present during the meeting. German Defence minister Boris Pistorius also arrived in Washington for his first official visit since Trump returned to office, and met his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, to discuss further military support for Ukraine and NATO cooperation.
NATO secretary general Mark Rutte and US president Donald Trump at the Oval Office, 14 July 2025 © PHOTO YURI GRIPAS
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