Anger, Tariffs, and the Complexities of Ceasefire Negotiations with Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House via Marine One on February 22, 2025. He expressed strong displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin's stance on Ukraine, stating he was "very angry" and "pissed off." Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil in an interview. He also warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of "big, big problems" if he withdrew from a mineral deal with the U.S.

Experts viewed Trump's rare criticism of Putin as a sign of U.S. frustration over stalled talks on a Ukraine cease-fire. While expressing anger, Trump also mentioned having a "very good relationship" with Putin, suggesting the anger could dissipate if Russia acted favorably. The Kremlin indicated Putin remained open to speaking with Trump, though no call was scheduled.

Analysts believed Trump aimed to pressure Russia into accepting U.S. conditions and ending the conflict. Trump stated that if a deal couldn't be reached, and if he deemed Russia responsible, he would impose secondary tariffs on all Russian oil, potentially a 25-50% tariff. He indicated these tariffs could be implemented within a month without a cease-fire agreement and planned to speak with Putin that week.

On his return to Washington, Trump slightly softened his tone, stating he didn't believe Putin would go back on his word, citing their long-standing relationship. He then shifted to criticizing Zelensky, referencing negotiations over U.S. access to critical minerals in Ukraine.

Experts noted that Trump's tactics, including tough talk and potential tariffs, were negotiation strategies to maximize U.S. leverage. The U.S. president had made ending the war in Ukraine a key foreign policy promise. Despite intensive engagement, significant differences remained between the two sides after multiple rounds of talks.

The White House had previously announced a tentative 30-day cease-fire in the Black Sea, but both sides continued attacks. Russian negotiators suggested a truce might not be reached soon. Experts pointed out that the U.S. expected both Russia and Ukraine to concede to its demands, which the Kremlin was not doing.

The harsh words and potential tariffs were meant to convey U.S. dissatisfaction and accelerate negotiations. Russia, holding the initiative, was unlikely to respond strongly. Russia claimed to have taken control of another settlement in the Donetsk region.

Questions remained regarding the practicality of the secondary tariffs, including how the U.S. would trace and prove which countries were buying Russian oil. Trump had previously announced similar tariffs on Venezuela. In response to a question about China's stance, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated China's consistent position that dialogue and negotiation were the only solutions to the crisis.