Changing tactics

US President Donald Trump's recent comments regarding Russia and its invasion of Ukraine signal a significant shift in his approach to global diplomacy.

- 

regarding Russia and its invasion of Ukraine signal a significant shift in his approach to global diplomacy. Despite his often-documented history of aligning with Russia in ways that left many in the West uneasy, Mr. Trump's latest remarks reveal a mounting frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As he prepares to engage Mr. Putin directly, Mr. Trump has issued a stark threat: secondary tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow continues to obstruct peace efforts in Ukraine.

This isn't just a diplomatic move - it's an expression of Mr. Trump's growing impatience with what he perceives as a lack of progress towards ending a conflict that has cost thousands of lives and destabilised Europe. The use of tariffs as a bargaining chip is not new for Mr. Trump, who famously employed economic pressure as a tool during his first term in office. This latest threat to impose hefty tariffs on Russian oil buyers - potentially in the range of 25 per cent to 50 per cent - marks another step in his broader strategy to force international actors into compliance with US goals.

Mr. Trump's economic leverage has historically been a defining feature of his foreign policy. However, his actions here are particularly noteworthy because they directly target countries like India and China, major buyers of Russian crude. If these nations don't change their stance, they could find themselves on the receiving end of US sanctions, which could have severe economic repercussions. Mr. Trump's current position diverges from his earlier, more accommodating approach to Mr. Putin, reflecting the growing frustration many feel about the lack of a resolution to the war.