**US Tariffs Put Pressure on Putin, Alters Peace Negotiations Calculus**
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to engage in peace talks with Ukraine has been met with growing frustration from the US government. However, it appears that the introduction of new tariffs by President Donald Trump may be forcing Putin’s hand.
According to a statement made by U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, “there are attempts sometimes to just tap players along” and gain time, suggesting that Putin is trying to stall in peace negotiations with Ukraine. However, Bruce emphasized that the pressure of new US tariffs has shifted Putin’s calculus.
“It’s about the economy as well,” she said, referencing Trump’s willingness to impose sweeping economic measures, including secondary tariffs. Bruce highlighted Trump’s readiness to take action against Russia, saying “President Trump has made it clear that he’s willing and capable of moving forward on some economic actions, secondary sanctions, or other direct sanctions as well.”
This development comes at a critical time, with Trump expected to meet Putin as early as next week. Plans are also underway for a trilateral summit between the US, Russia, and Ukraine shortly after.
**Trump’s Ultimatum**
In July, Trump issued an ultimatum to Russia, giving them 50 days to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine or face severe consequences. As the deadline approaches on August 8, US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in an attempt to push for progress.
Meanwhile, the White House has been using economic pressure to try and force Moscow into talks. On August 6, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on imports from India, citing New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Similar penalties may follow for other nations buying Russian crude.
**Undercutting Russia’s Oil Sector**
The US strategy aims to undercut Russia’s primary revenue stream – its oil sector, which provides roughly one-third of the country’s federal budget and remains critical to sustaining its war in Ukraine. Secondary sanctions proposed by the Trump administration would penalize countries and companies doing business with Russia by restricting their access to US markets.
If third-party countries such as China continue purchasing Russian oil, their exports to the US could face tariffs of up to 100%. This move is seen as an attempt to strangle Russia’s war machine by targeting its primary revenue source.
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