In a recent interview with NBC News, President Donald Trump expressed his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin for suggesting ways to influence Ukraine's leadership. Trump mentioned being angry at Putin's comments and discussed the possibility of implementing secondary tariffs on Russian oil if a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine cannot be achieved. The President emphasized the importance of reaching a deal to avoid extended conflicts and stated that he plans to engage in discussions with Putin soon.

Russia, being one of the largest oil producers globally, could face significant consequences if measures were taken to limit the purchase of its oil, impacting the oil market and potentially causing inflationary effects worldwide. Trump's efforts to fulfill his campaign promise of ending the conflict in Ukraine have led to tensions with Putin, who has been gauging the extent to which Trump would push European nations to lift sanctions against Russia. Despite challenges with US sanctions on Russia, including those on its oil tanker fleet, Russian crude exports have increased.

Trump discussed the option of imposing secondary tariffs on Russia's oil if a resolution to the conflict is not reached and if the blame falls on Russia. This tactic would involve placing tariffs on purchases of Russian oil, potentially restricting companies from conducting business in the United States. The President outlined the possibility of imposing a 25% to 50% tariff on all oil transactions with Russia.

Recent negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have shown progress, with both parties agreeing to a Black Sea truce, following a temporary halt to strikes on energy infrastructure. Trump has also hinted at using secondary tariffs as an economic strategy, as seen in his threats to countries buying oil from Venezuela to disrupt its oil trade with other nations.