Zelenskyy favours tough tariffs on trades with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday (September 8, 2025) supported the imposition of tariffs on countries maintaining economic ties with Russia.

In a series of posts on X, Mr. Zelenskyy said it is important that there is a broad response from Ukraine’s partners to this strike. “Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin is testing the world,” he said.

Russian missiles and drones rained down across Ukraine early on Sunday (September 7, 2025), killing four people and setting government offices in the capital Kyiv ablaze.

Russia fired at least 810 drones and 13 missiles at Ukraine between late Saturday (September 6, 2025) and early Sunday in a new record, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Mr. Zelenskyy has said he was counting on a “strong” U.S. response.

“That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions— sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing,” the Ukrainian President said in a post.

He further said that Mr. Putin does not want negotiations, he is clearly hiding from them, so Russia’s fuel shortages and other economic troubles are the logical response to its refusal to agree to a ceasefire or a meeting at the leaders’ level.

Mr. Trump has imposed tariffs against many countries across the world, including a whooping 50% against India, 50% for goods from Brazil, 39% from Switzerland, and 35% from Canada.