Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reacted calmly to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of imposing “very severe” 100% tariffs on Russia and its trading partners if Russia didn’t reach a peace agreement on Ukraine within 50 days. Speaking at the SCO meeting in Tianjin, Lavrov noted that Russia has already faced “unprecedented” sanctions and is confident it will “cope with new sanctions”.

Lavrov also insinuated that Trump is acting “under pressure” from NATO and the EU, criticizing the West for supporting Ukraine at the expense of taxpayers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and deputy FM Sergei Ryabkov echoed this, calling Trump’s ultimatum “unacceptable” and unclear.

Meanwhile, analysts suggest that Trump’s aggressive trade threats mark a shift from his earlier, more Russia‑friendly tone. The US move is part of a broader strategy of tying military aid—such as Patriot missile systems—to economic pressure to force Moscow to the negotiating table. However, Russia remains steadfast, even as allies like China label the tariff proposal “illegal” and “coercive”.