President Trump threatens to impose tariffs on Russian oil.
Donald Trump intends to impose tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on all oil exports from Russia.
According to RIA Novosti, US President Donald Trump said he would impose tariffs on oil exports from Russia if there is no agreement with Moscow to end the conflict in Ukraine.
NBC News quoted President Trump as saying: “If Russia and I can’t come to an agreement to end the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it’s Russia’s fault – which may not be – then I will impose secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil imported from Russia.”
Trump also threatened possible consequences for countries importing oil from Russia if he imposed such sanctions on Moscow.
"That means if you buy oil from Russia, you won't be able to do business in America," Trump said.
The US leader stated that he plans to impose tariffs of 25% to 50% on all oil exports from Russia.
Mr. Trump also added that he plans to call Russian President Vladimir Putin again soon.
Russia has repeatedly stated that it will respond to increasing sanctions pressure. Putin has noted that the policy of containing and weakening Moscow is a long-term strategy of the West, and that sanctions have dealt a severe blow to the entire global economy. According to Putin, the main goal of those who oppose Russia is to make life worse for millions of people.
At the same time, Western countries have repeatedly stated that sanctions are ineffective against Russia.
Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), told the Izvestia newspaper that Moscow and Washington have begun discussions on various rare earth metals and other projects in Russia.
"Rare earth metals are an important area of cooperation, and of course we have begun discussions on various rare earth metals and different projects in Russia," Dmitriev said.
According to Mr. Dmitriev, several companies have expressed interest in the projects.
At a meeting on the development of the rare earth metals industry at the end of February, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the development of this industry is necessary for successful competition in the global market and for the development of the most important sectors of the country's economy.
Furthermore, Putin stated that Russia is ready to offer the US the opportunity to cooperate in the field of rare earth metals.
President Donald Trump stated in mid-March that Russia possesses valuable natural resources, including the world's largest rare earth metal deposits, which Washington is interested in.
