Trump threatens Russia and Ukraine with 200 per cent tariff
The US president says he is considering a trade measure if the two countries fail to reach a peace agreement.
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US President Donald Trump says he may seek to impose a 200 per cent tariff on Russia and Ukraine if they fail to reach a peace agreement. Trump also said he doubted whether such a measure would have any effect, because the United States conducts little trade with either country.
Trump made the statement during a gathering in the United States. He referred to previous cases in which, he said, tariffs had ended wars or conflicts. The claim that tariffs have ended five wars has not been independently confirmed.
The president linked the threat to the war between Russia and Ukraine. He said Washington could heavily penalise both countries if they continued fighting. It is a political warning; no formal decision or published tariff measure has been confirmed.
Trump himself questioned whether it could be implemented. According to reports by RBC-Ukraine and UNN, he said that the United States did not trade enough with Russia and Ukraine for such a tariff to be effective.
The statement fits into Trump's broader attempt to use trade policy as leverage in foreign conflicts. For Ukraine, an American trade penalty could create additional economic pressure, but its effect on Russia would depend in part on the volume of trade covered by the tariff.
It is unclear which products would be covered by the proposed tariff, how such a measure would be introduced legally or which allies would be involved. It is also not known whether Washington has formally discussed the threat with Moscow or Kyiv.
The statement comes as new talks on the war are being prepared. The sources report that Russia, Ukraine and the United States were expected to discuss talks again later, but the precise agenda and date had not been fully confirmed at the time of publication.
A possible question for the Netherlands and the European Union is whether American trade measures would lead to further disruption of markets or pressure European countries to join US sanctions. As long as no decision has been confirmed, that remains a possible consequence rather than established policy.
Also show where in Europe and in the world
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Trump said he was considering a 200 per cent tariff.
- No formal decision was found.
- Trump himself said the measure might have little effect.
Left
Arguments Trade policy should not be used as a personal instrument of power in a war. A broad tariff could affect citizens and businesses without persuading the Kremlin to abandon its war aims.
Values International cooperation, protection of civilians and predictable policy.
Consequences A new trade war could push up prices and make diplomacy even more difficult.
Centre
Arguments Economic pressure can form part of diplomacy, but only when objectives, the legal basis and cooperation with allies are clear. Threats without an implementation plan may become less credible.
Values Effectiveness, legal certainty and transatlantic coordination.
Consequences A carefully coordinated measure could increase pressure on the parties; a unilateral step could instead cause division.
Right
Arguments The United States should use all economic means to force the parties into negotiations. A serious threat may be clearer than endless diplomacy without results.
Values Deterrence, national power and rapid results.
Consequences Stronger pressure could accelerate negotiations, but could also provoke retaliation and economic damage.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The tariff threat and Trump's doubts about its effectiveness were reported by two independent Ukrainian sources. No evidence was found of a formal decision or of the claim that previous tariffs ended five wars.
- confirmed Trump said he could hit Russia and Ukraine with a 200 per cent tariff. — Reported by RBC-Ukraine and UNN. source
- confirmed Trump doubted whether the measure would work because the United States conducts little trade with either country. — Reported by RBC-Ukraine. source
- uncertain A formal American tariff decision has been taken. — No formal decision or implementation document was found in the sources consulted. source
Editor's note
Trump's statement was reported by two Ukrainian news organisations. No formal American decision was found; the alleged effects and Trump's claim about previous wars have therefore not been presented as facts.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- RTL Nieuws — „donald trump”
- NOS — „donald trump”
- Het Parool — „donald trump”