Kremlin Says Trump’s Comments on Secondary Tariffs Are Serious, Need Time to Analyze

Trump had said earlier this week he would introduce ’secondary tariffs’ on goods from third countries that trade with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting on forthcoming Russia–Ukraine talks in Istanbul, in Moscow on May 14, 2025. Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

President Donald Trump’s recent comments, including about secondary tariffs on countries that trade with Russia, were “very serious,” a Kremlin official said on July 15.

When asked about the U.S. president’s recent statements, which included ones directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “We certainly need time to analyse what was said in Washington. And if and when President Putin deems it necessary, he will definitely comment.”