Russia Escapes Trump’s Tariffs While Allies Face the Heat

While Donald Trump’s new tariffs target countries around the world, Russia is missing from the list even though tiny, uninhabited Heard Island and McDonald Islands made the cut.

The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, explained that US sanctions already limit trade with Russia, making tariffs unnecessary. Other sanctioned nations like Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea were also left out. However, countries with very little trade with the US, like Syria, were included, raising questions about Trump’s approach.

Trump has pushed for an end to the war in Ukraine, and a top Russian official is currently in Washington for discussions. Last month, he even threatened a 50% tariff on countries buying Russian oil unless Vladimir Putin agreed to a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Ukraine faces a 10% tariff on its exports to the US. Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the move will hurt small producers, but Ukraine is working to secure better trade terms. Despite this, the US has been a key financial and military backer of Ukraine, spending over $182 billion on support efforts since Russia’s invasion.