The Kremlin spokesperson has called President Trump’s warning regarding imposing severe tariffs „serious,” but mentioned that Moscow needs time to analyze the message from Washington.
„This statement by the US President is quite serious. Some of what was said seems to be directed personally (at Russian President Vladimir) Putin. Undoubtedly, we need time to analyze what was said in Washington. If and when President Putin deems it necessary, he will comment on this matter,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to the state-controlled Russian news agency RBC.
In recent weeks, Russia has significantly intensified its aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting civilian infrastructure and causing numerous civilian casualties.
During a press conference at the White House on July 14, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, the American President threatened to impose "secondary tariffs" of 100% on Russia if a peace agreement is not reached in Ukraine within 50 days. Trump and Rutte unveiled a coordinated NATO plan for the acquisition and delivery of advanced weapons manufactured in the USA to Ukraine, including air defense systems. The American President stated that NATO allies will fully finance the deliveries.
Donald Trump expressed his frustration with Putin's actions, saying he expected an agreement months ago. "I talk a lot with Putin about how to accomplish this, and then missiles are launched on Kiev or another city," he said.
Furthermore, according to sources at the White House cited by The Washington Post, Trump has considered sending Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. These weapons that can hit Moscow and St. Petersburg are not yet on the delivery list, but could be included later.
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev dismissed Trump's warning. He mocked the initiative on Tuesday, calling it a "theatrical ultimatum." "Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, waiting for the consequences. Bellicose Europe was disappointed. Russia was not impressed," former President Medvedev wrote on platform X.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed Trump's tough rhetoric but criticized the ultimatum term. "On the one hand, it is very positive that President Trump takes a firm stance against Russia... On the other hand, 50 days is a very long period if we see that innocent civilians are being killed," she said.
T.D.