**US President Trump Threatens Tariffs on Russian Oil**
US President Donald Trump said he would impose secondary tariffs on Russia’s oil exports if President Vladimir Putin doesn’t stop the war in Ukraine. Trump made this threat on March 31.
He told reporters that he wants Putin to make a deal to end the war, so people are not killed. Trump doesn’t want to put tariffs on Russian oil, but says it’s something he would do if he thinks Putin isn’t doing his job.
**Trump Angry at Putin**
This is not the first time Trump has threatened Russia with tariffs. He said earlier that he would impose a 25% tariff on all oil and a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil. US-Russia trade is already low due to sanctions against Russia for its war against Ukraine.
**US Diplomacy with Russia**
Despite the tensions, the Trump administration has been trying to make deals with Russia. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump has expressed displeasure with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders as they try to secure a ceasefire in the war.
**Frustration with Ukraine**
During his press conference, Trump also expressed frustration with efforts to reach a minerals deal with Ukrainian officials. He said he hasn’t spoken to them yet, but heard they want to join NATO before making a deal.
A source in Ukraine’s Presidential Office denied this, saying that NATO membership is not part of the discussion around the minerals deal.
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