Trump threatens tariffs over Putin's actions amid Kremlin talks
Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Vladimir Putin's actions by threatening to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil. However, the Kremlin assured on Monday that it is still attempting to improve relations with the USA, according to its spokesman.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Vladimir Putin's actions, threatening secondary tariffs on Russian oil if there is no truce due to Russia's actions.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia continues to work on developing relations with the USA.
- Vladimir Putin remains open to contacts with Trump, although no phone conversation between the leaders has been planned for now.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about the statement by US President Donald Trump in which he expressed anger towards Vladimir Putin for criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Peskov noted that Russia is not giving up on attempts to improve relations with the USA.
– We continue to work with the American side, primarily on sorting out our bilaterial relations, which had been greatly damaged by the previous [US] administration. And we are also working on several areas regarding the Ukraine peace process– he said.
Is the Kremlin easing the situation?
Despite Trump's threat to impose secondary tariffs, Peskov stated that Vladimir Putin is ready for talks with the American leader.
– Work is ongoing. We have nothing concrete yet that we could or should tell you. This process is drawn out due to its complicated nature. The President remains open to contact with President Trump. A telephone call can be organised quickly if needed – added the Kremlin spokesman.
He emphasized that Russia is interested in continuing dialogue despite current tensions.
What did Trump say about Putin?
On Sunday, after a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Trump told NBC that he is "angry" at Putin for questioning the legitimacy of President Zelensky. He also threatened that if there is no truce due to Russia's actions, he will impose "secondary tariffs" on Russian oil.
A few hours later, however, Trump stated that he doesn't think the Russians are trying to deceive him and added that Putin "wants to make a deal".
