Trump: There’s a ‘psychological deadline’ for Putin to agree to ceasefire

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (Pool via AP)

| Published March 31, 2025

President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that there is a “psychological deadline” for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. If Moscow fails to comply, Trump has signaled his readiness to impose strict economic measures, including substantial tariffs on Russian oil exports.

During a recent interview, Trump suggested that if Russia does not agree to a truce soon, his administration is prepared to implement tariffs of 25% to 50% on Russian oil. This economic pressure tactic is part of a broader strategy aimed at expediting a resolution to the ongoing conflict, now in its third year.

Efforts to establish a ceasefire have been met with obstacles. The U.S. recently proposed a 30-day ceasefire plan, which Ukraine accepted, contingent on Russia’s agreement. However, Putin has rejected an unconditional truce and has instead issued new demands, including the surrender of Ukrainian forces in key regions. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could end the war “within 24 hours,” expressed frustration over Putin’s reluctance to cooperate and his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The threat of tariffs on Russian oil aligns with Trump’s broader approach to foreign policy, which has often leveraged economic pressure to influence international affairs. His administration has also considered similar tariffs on nations buying Iranian oil if Tehran does not take steps toward dismantling its nuclear weapons program.

As the situation unfolds, global markets and world leaders are closely watching how Trump’s economic strategies will impact diplomatic negotiations. Whether these measures will succeed in compelling Russia to engage in a meaningful peace process remains uncertain, but the coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining the trajectory of the conflict.