‘Maybe in 2 or 3 weeks’: Tariff relief in sight? What Donald Trump said on Russian oil buyers after meeting Putin
US President Donald Trump said he may consider imposing tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil “in two or three weeks,” though not immediately, following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.“When you talked before coming here about the consequences for Vladimir Putin being severe, I found that interesting.Severe would be defined by me- India doesn’t buy your oil, The European Union won’t buy it. And why in the back of my head was I thinking, wait a minute, Donald Trump just delayed a possible increase in tariffs on China. Why do I think that probably President Trump was thinking ahead, that maybe if you had to, that would have been part of the consequences?” Trump was asked by Fox News’ Sean Hannity.“Well, because of what happened today, I think I don’t have to think about that,” Trump said in response during the interview after the talks. “Now, I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks or something, but we don’t have to think about that right now. I think, you know, the meeting went very well,” he added.
Trump-Putin ‘long overdue’ meet
US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin held a three-hour closed-door meeting in Alaska, their first high-level encounter since Trump took office. While no agreements were signed and the joint press conference lasted only a few minutes, both leaders projected cautious optimism about the future of US–Russia ties and the conflict in Ukraine. Putin, speaking first, called the talks “long overdue” and said relations had “fallen to the lowest point since the Cold War.” He stressed the need to shift from confrontation to dialogue and highlighted Ukraine as a central topic, expressing hope that “the Ukrainians and Europeans choose to not throw a wrench in” the peace process. Trump described the discussions as “very productive,” saying progress had been made on several issues but acknowledging that major sticking points remain. He reiterated his familiar stance that “there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” and said he would consult NATO leaders and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy before any next steps. The summit ended without breakthroughs or any peace deal with regards to Ukraine. Putin made a remark about a next meet (if any) saying, “Next time in Moscow.”
Tariffs on India over Russian oil prompted talks?
Before the talks, Trump claimed that the tariffs imposed on India for its oil purchases from Russia have played a significant role in prompting Moscow to seek the meeting with Washington. According to Trump, Russia is concerned about losing its “second largest customer” for oil, which influenced its decision to engage in dialogue with the US. China remains the largest buyer of Russian oil.The comments came just ahead of a highly anticipated meeting between Trump and Putin. In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Trump had said, “I think everything has an impact,” suggesting that the tariffs have effectively deterred India from buying oil from Russia. “When you lose your second largest customer, and you’re probably going to lose your first largest customer, I think that probably has a role,” the US President further said. However, despite Trump’s claims, India has maintained that it has not halted its oil purchases from Russia. Indian officials have emphasized that their oil buying decisions are based solely on economic considerations. Last week, Trump announced an additional 25 percent tariff on US imports from India, raising the overall duty to 50 percent, to take effect on August 27; adding a further penalty which has not been defined as of now.In response to the US tariffs, ministry of external affairs has described the targeting of India as unjustified and unreasonable. The ministry emphasized that India, like any major economy, will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. Trump has been criticising India’s purchasing of Russian oil, claiming it is “fuelling” Russia’s war machine.
