Trump threatens ‘very severe tariffs’ on Russia allies if no Ukraine deal

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump warned Russia on Monday that he will impose “very severe” tariffs against Moscow’s remaining trade partners if it doesn’t resolve its war in Ukraine within 50 days, AFP reported.

“We’re going to be doing secondary tariffs. If we don’t have a deal in 50 days, it’s very simple. And they’ll be at 100 per cent, and that’s the way it is,” Trump told reporters.

About the ongoing trade war, the US president said he was open to discussions with the European Union and other trading partners before higher tariffs kick in on August 1, noting that EU officials were coming to the United States for talks.

“They would like to do a different kind of a deal and we’re always open to talk, including to Europe. In fact, they’re coming over. They’d like to talk.”

Read more: EU terms Trump’s 30pc tariff threat ‘absolutely unacceptable’

TRADE ‘GREAT FOR SETTLING WARS’

At the same time, Reuters quoted Trump as saying that trade is “great for settling wars,” making the comments soon after announcing a new weapons package for Ukraine.

Trump spoke in the White House’s Oval Office during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Meanwhile, the US president, to prove his point, yet again cited the example of brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, while using trade as an incentive.

HUGE SUPPLY OF WEAPONS FOR UKRAINE

Speaking on the occasion, Rutte said that Ukraine will get a huge supply of weapons to boost its war effort against Russia under a new arms supply deal struck with the United States.

“It will mean that Ukraine gets its hands on really massive numbers of military equipment, both for air defense, but also missiles, ammunition,” he said, as they announced a plan on Monday to rearm Ukraine with missiles and other weaponry.

On this subject, Trump said the supply amounted to “billions of dollars” worth of munitions and weapons, including Patriot anti-missile systems.

However, he said the United States, under the deal, will supply weapons to be for by NATO countries. 

At the same time, Rutte said, “If I was Vladimir Putin today, and you’re speaking about what you are planning to do in 50 days… I would reconsider whether I should not take negotiations about Ukraine more seriously.”

It’s developing story. Details to follow