US President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement of “reciprocal” tariffs on imports from 185 countries, which have since been temporarily paused, sent ripples through the international trading system. More broadly, the administration’s approach to tariffs since taking office has caused global market volatility, especially the escalating back and forth over tariffs between the United States and China. But while the Trump administration has targeted most countries in the world with tariffs, some key players were left off the chopping block—most notably Russia.
The Trump administration has raised tariffs against major trading partners such as China, and framed these steps as protecting US economic and security interests. But so far, Russia has been left off the US tariff regime despite the clear threats that it poses to US security interests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine has killed tens of thousands of Ukrainians and displaced millions, marking Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II. Russia’s destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine has been widespread and systematic, including the targeting of hospitals, residential buildings, schools, and critical infrastructure. Torture, apparent war crimes, and the kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children have marked a multifaceted terror campaign waged by the Kremlin against a sovereign country, threatening the rules-based international order and the security of the region.
Voice of Ukraine 