Moskow Dismisses U.S. Tariff Threat

Russia rejected pressure from Donald Trump, who threatened harsh sanctions if Moscow does not stop the war with Ukraine in 50 days, although the Kremlin hinted at the possibility of reconsidering its position. 

The Gaze informs on it referring to the message in Bloomberg.  

“We first and foremost note that any attempts to make demands — especially ultimatums — are unacceptable for us,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Trump’s statement “serious” and said Moscow would need time to examine it. 

It is worth recalling that on Monday, Trump said that he would impose duties in the form of “secondary tariffs” if the Kremlin does not stop hostilities.

Commerce Secretary Howard Latnick told reporters that sanctions and tariffs are “both tools in his toolbox” and that “you can do either one.” A White House official also stated that Russia could face both measures if it does not sign a ceasefire agreement by early September. 

According to Bloomberg, Trump hailed Monday's announcement as an important policy shift, but its content also underscores his priorities: it involves no cost to the United States, and he has no plans to provide new funding to Ukraine for now. 

The NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the Alliance will coordinate the actions of member states to provide Ukraine with air defense equipment, missiles and ammunition. 

“This is again Europeans stepping up,” Rutte noted and added that Putin should “take negotiations about Ukraine more seriously.” 

The Gaze reported that President Trump and NATO Secretary General Rutte announced a new weapons agreement for Ukraine, while Trump warned Russia of severe tariffs up to 100% if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days.