The potential for substantial US tariffs on Russia and its trading partners may have caused unease within the Kremlin, yet their leaders are projecting an air of confidence.
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President Vladimir Putin has yet to respond to the recent announcement by US President Donald Trump, who indicated that the US would impose 100% tariffs on Russia and its allies if Moscow does not cease its hostilities in Ukraine within the next 50 days. “We will not hesitate to protect our interests,” Trump stated, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
These secondary sanctions would particularly affect countries like China and India, who are significant buyers of Russian oil exports. Furthermore, Trump declared that the US would supply Ukraine with advanced military equipment, including up to 17 Patriot air defense systems, funded by NATO members.
The Kremlin’s communications suggest a resolve to remain unfazed by Trump’s ultimatum—or at least, it wishes to convey this perception. This afternoon, Reuters referenced three anonymous sources close to Putin’s inner circle, asserting that the Russian leader will not bow to Western pressure to end the war. As Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov put it, “We certainly need time to analyze what was said in Washington,” underscoring the seriousness with which Russia views these developments.
Yesterday, Peskov dismissed the significance of US military support for Ukraine, instead emphasizing that Russia was prepared to enter a third round of direct talks with Ukraine. “The US is merely continuing its course of arming Ukraine,” he noted, suggesting that Trump’s policy shift is not particularly groundbreaking.
Indeed, the pace of events is striking. Just months prior, in February, Trump held his first cordial phone call with Putin, and few could have envisioned the current landscape where the US president seeks punitive measures against Moscow and commits to significantly arming Ukraine, as he discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Both leaders initially envisioned a new era of US-Russia trade relations. However, Russia’s refusal to accept a US offer for a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine agreed to as early as March 11, along with its aggressive stance during two rounds of talks with Ukrainian officials in Istanbul, led Trump to adopt a more combative approach.
Other senior Russian officials appear to share Peskov’s sentiments. Dmitry Medvedev, a prominent figure and former president, casually remarked on social media that Russia “didn’t care” about Trump’s deadline. “Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting consequences,” he stated, perhaps echoing the general Russian sentiment of dismissing Washington’s demands.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a visit to China, expressed interest in understanding Trump’s motivations. Yet one has to wonder how a seasoned diplomat like Lavrov fails to discern the reasoning behind the US president’s shift; as Trump himself remarked last week, he is simply “tired of the Russian leader’s nice talk.”
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov reinforced this stance, telling TASS that Moscow remains “unshakeable,” viewing ultimatums as “unacceptable.” Although Putin has not publicly reacted, the overall response from Moscow indicates a lack of intent to relent in its military objectives.
The financial markets, too, have not reacted with alarm to the prospect of new sanctions. The MOEX index, which tracks the top 50 Russian companies, rose by 1.6% since trading began yesterday, suggesting a belief that the threat may not materialize. Similarly, Brent crude oil prices saw only a minor dip, stabilizing thereafter, further indicating that investors remain skeptical about the US carrying out its threats against nations purchasing Russian oil.
It may take time before there is discernible pressure stemming from Trump’s ultimatum. A lot can transpire in the next 50 days; Russia might intensify its military efforts to gain more territory during this period. Meanwhile, on the ground, Russia’s military reported the capture of two villages in the Donetsk region today, reinforcing the notion that Moscow’s strategic objectives remain unchanged since Trump’s announcement.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
