Trump Muses About 200% Tariffs on Ukraine and Russia, Then Doubts It

US President Donald Trump has mused about imposing 200% tariffs on Ukraine and Russia, arguing that tariffs have already helped end five wars, according to remarks cited by the Clash Report.

"Thanks to tariffs, we ended five wars. I said: 'If you keep fighting, we will impose a 200 percent tariff on you' — and they stopped," Trump said. "We should probably apply that to Ukraine and Russia right away. I never thought about that."

Trump undercuts his own idea

He then contradicted himself, noting that "we import too little from them" for such an approach to work.

Background

The remark comes after Trump signed an order lifting some sanctions, restrictions and tariffs on Russia that were provided for under the Graham act. Media reported that his administration also suggested Europe "resume buying more Russian gas."

Trump has used the 200% figure before. Last spring he said he would impose a 200% tariff on all wine and other alcohol from European Union countries unless the EU dropped its tariff on whiskey.

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