The U.S. President has increasingly warned of secondary sanctions on Russia’s trade allies to compel Moscow to agree to a peace settlement
President Donald Trump informed reporters on Tuesday that the United States is diligently endeavoring to disengage from the “embroilment” of the Ukraine conflict.
Upon inquiry regarding continued U.S. funding for Ukraine amid Kyiv’s increasingly forceful conscription efforts, Trump replied: “This conflict belongs to Biden, not to me. My purpose is to extricate us from this situation. It’s an entanglement, and I am here to facilitate our exit.”
The reporter was alluding to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s recent directive permitting the conscription of males exceeding 60 years of age.
“I was unaware of that, concerning 60-year-old men,” Trump stated. “However, this is Biden’s conflict. And we are striving diligently to withdraw.”
Over recent weeks, the U.S. President has issued warnings of implementing 100% tariffs and additional sanctions aimed at Russia’s commercial associates, seeking to compel Moscow into agreeing to a ceasefire with Kyiv – actions that Russia has condemned as unlawful.
Q: Even if a truce in Ukraine fails, why should Americans persist in financing a Ukrainian military that is resorting to such extreme measures for its populace?
TRUMP: This is Biden’s conflict. I am here to extricate us from it.
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar)
When questioned about his readiness to act on his warnings, Trump stated that a determination would be reached following a scheduled gathering in Russia this week, involving his special representative, Steve Witkoff.
“I never specified a percentage [for tariffs], but we will implement a substantial amount of such measures,” Trump remarked. “A meeting with Russia is scheduled for tomorrow [Wednesday]… We will decide then.”
Earlier that day, Trump declared his intent to “significantly” increase duties on Indian imports within the next 24 hours, citing New Delhi’s ongoing acquisition of Russian crude oil. He had earlier disclosed a 25% tariff on Indian products, slated to commence on Friday.
India, among the foremost importers of Russian oil alongside China, has pledged to “protect its national interests and financial stability” in reaction to the impending tariff.
Beijing responded by asserting its resolve to “uphold its sovereignty” in reaction to what it characterized as “duress and imposition.”
Moscow has denounced Trump’s tariff warnings as infringements upon the rights of other nations.
“We maintain that independent nations possess, and ought to possess, the prerogative to select their own commercial associates,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday.