WASHINGTON DC – In a series of forthright and at times combative exchanges with the press on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed his administration was preparing to take significant economic action against nations that continue to purchase Russian energy.
He also, once again, publicly distanced himself from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, labelling it “Biden’s war.”
Trump’s remarks came as the White House confirmed a new diplomatic push, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff heading to Moscow for talks.
Trump on tariffs: “We’ll be doing quite a bit of that”
During an exchange with reporters at the White House, Trump was directly asked about his earlier threat of a 100 percent tariff on countries that buy Russian energy. While he avoided confirming a specific percentage, he made it clear that some form of punishment is being prepared. “I never said a percentage, but we’ll be doing quite a bit of that,” he stated.
He added that a final decision would be made after a meeting with Russian officials, which he said is scheduled for tomorrow.
Economic threats and diplomatic moves
This position was reiterated by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce Tuesday afternoon, who, without announcing new sanctions, confirmed to Kyiv Post’s correspondent that the President is seriously considering punitive economic measures.
Bruce described Trump as a “businessman” and a “realist,” explaining that he favors an economic approach to foreign policy. “As a businessman, he likes to use, understandably, the tools that can make a difference with countries. Usually, of course, that is about the economy,” she said.
The spokesperson also referenced the possibility of secondary sanctions, which would target countries or companies that conduct business with Russia. This strategy, Bruce said, is one of the many “tools in his toolchest” and a form of pressure that “every country can understand.”
The comments were made in the context of India’s refusal to halt its purchase of Russian oil, which Bruce said would be a matter for the President to address directly.
Diplomacy amid escalating tensions
When pressed by Kyiv Post about Russia’s disengagement, Bruce emphasized that the administration remains committed to a diplomatic solution.
She reiterated that Special Envoy Witkoff’s mission to Moscow is a key part of this effort, but cautioned against speculating on what a satisfactory outcome might be. She concluded by stating that all decisions on a diplomatic resolution and potential sanctions rest with the White House.
Asked whether a limited air truce would be enough to forestall sanctions, Bruce was non-committal. “I won’t comment on or speculate on what a diplomatic choice would be regarding what’s offered or what’s not offered,” she said. “I don’t know that, nor would I suggest that I would know what President Trump would find suitable, and that’s who this decision rests with.”
Finally, when asked to confirm if sanctions were a certainty if a ceasefire was not reached by Trump’s deadline, Bruce stated: “What I can confirm from this podium is that the President has been very clear. He has said that there will be sanctions, and he’s given a timeframe... The ball is in Russia’s court. We are hoping that diplomacy will succeed, but the President has made it clear that if it doesn’t, he has a full range of options at his disposal.”