Trump Threatens New Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine, Warns of Heavy Tariffs on Oil Imports

Washington, D.C. – March 31, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Russia on Sunday. He threatened sweeping sanctions and hefty tariffs on Russian oil imports. This will happen if Moscow fails to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

In an early morning phone interview with NBC News, Trump expressed frustration. He reacted to recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On Friday, Putin suggested that Ukraine should be placed under “external governance.” He repeated his claim that Zelenskyy, whose term expired last year, no longer holds the authority to negotiate peace.

Trump described Putin’s comments as “outrageous” and said he was “angry, pissed off” when the Russian leader attacked Zelenskyy’s credibility. “If a deal isn’t made, and if I think Russia is at fault, I will impose secondary sanctions,” Trump warned. He added that he would introduce a “25 to 50-point tariff on all Russian oil imports” to squeeze Moscow economically.

The former president also vowed to restrict trade with nations purchasing Russian oil. “Anybody buying oil from Russia will not be able to sell their product into the United States. This restriction applies to any product, not just oil,” Trump declared.

Despite his sharp rhetoric, Trump maintained that he and Putin still have a “very good relationship.” However, he insisted that Russia’s actions in Ukraine would determine his next steps.

The interview comes amid growing international pressure on Moscow, as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. The Biden administration has yet to comment on Trump’s remarks, but analysts say his threats could further strain U.S.-Russia relations.