If the Kremlin doesn’t go for peace in Ukraine, “very steep tariffs” and secondary sanctions will be imposed on Russia, as well as on countries that buy oil from it, which should have an extra impact on the Russian economy.
This was stated on Thursday during a press briefing in Washington by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, according to Ukrinform’s correspondent.
“Well, in 50 days, as the President clearly laid out, if there is not a ceasefire agreement or a peace deal within that time frame, if Russia refuses to legitimately agree to a ceasefire, then they will face very steep tariffs, and they will also face secondary sanctions,” the White House Press Secretary stated.
According to her, countries that buy, for example, oil from Russia will also be subject to sanctions, “and, of course, that will do deep damage to Russia’s economy”.
She also noted that President Trump “wants this war to end with a diplomatic solution”. Leavitt noted that the current U.S. administration has spent a lot of time trying to resolve the conflict.
“The President wants to stop the killing, and he wants to save lives,” Leavitt emphasized.
The White House Press Secretary was then asked how tariffs against Russia would affect her, given that trade with Russia in 2024 amounted to only $3 billion, and President Trump himself had stated that tariffs against Russia were not worth considering.
In response, Leavitt noted: “$3 billion is still a lot of money, John, and it’s not just tariffs, it’s the secondary sanctions as well that will be implemented in 50 days”.
As reported by Ukrinform, on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he was giving Russia 50 days to reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine. Otherwise, he threatened Russia with economic pressure.
Source: White House explained what awaits Russia if it doesn't agree to peace deal in 50 days
