White House Defends Russia Tariff Exemption Amid Ukraine Peace Talks
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett has defended the Trump administration’s decision to exempt Russia from the newly announced global tariff plan, citing the sensitivity of ongoing peace negotiations surrounding the war in Ukraine. Speaking on ABC News, Hassett said the White House was mindful not to interfere with delicate diplomatic efforts by introducing new economic measures mid-discussion.
President Trump unveiled the sweeping tariff package on April 2, introducing a blanket 10% tariff on imports from most countries. The plan also includes higher rates for specific targets: 34% for Chinese goods and 20% for imports from the European Union. Ukraine, notably, is subject to the standard 10% rate.
The tariff strategy, according to administration officials, is designed to reduce trade imbalances and revive American manufacturing. However, the announcement triggered alarm among international leaders, who warned of increased inflation and the heightened risk of global trade conflicts.
Hassett explained that Russia’s exclusion was strategic and temporary, intended to avoid disrupting progress in peace negotiations. “This doesn’t mean Russia is getting special treatment,” he said. “But while discussions are ongoing that affect the lives of Ukrainians, Russians, and Americans, the president felt it was best not to complicate matters.”
He added that introducing new friction into such sensitive negotiations could be counterproductive. “It’s not appropriate to throw something new into the mix when lives are literally at stake,” Hassett emphasized.
Critics questioned the administration’s decision to exclude Russia from the tariffs while applying them to US allies—including Ukraine, which is actively engaged in resisting Russian aggression. Some argued this created a confusing signal about US priorities.
Hassett responded by reiterating that the decision was not about favoritism but about timing. “Russia, like any other nation, could still face tariffs in the future. Right now, the peace process requires stability and restraint,” he said.
Initially, some officials claimed that Russia and Belarus were exempted due to existing sanctions. However, trade data from Axios suggests that the US still engages in significant commerce with Russia. In 2024, US-Russia trade totaled $3.5 billion, down sharply from $35 billion in 2021 but still higher than trade volumes with some smaller sanctioned nations such as Mauritius or Brunei.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously said he hoped the tariffs would pressure foreign governments to reconsider their trade policies with the US. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also issued a warning to international partners, cautioning against retaliatory actions.
Despite this, China has already announced countermeasures, including a 34% tariff on all American exports—a direct response to the new US policy.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy stated it is exploring the possibility of negotiating more favorable terms with Washington. Officials reassured citizens that the new tariffs would not negatively affect the country’s currency stability or food prices.
As the administration moves forward with its tariff strategy, global observers will be watching closely to see how these measures affect trade dynamics—and whether peace efforts in Ukraine can withstand the economic pressure.
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