Kremlin Says Russia Has ‘Sanctions Immunity’ as Trump Slashes Ceasefire Deadline

In a quick response, Kremlin Says Russia Has ‘Sanctions Immunity’ as Trump Slashes Ceasefire Deadline. In a sharp escalation of pressure on Moscow, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Russia has just 10 to 12 days to show tangible progress toward ending its war in Ukraine or face sweeping new sanctions and tariffs.

The move significantly tightens a previously announced 50-day window and sets a hard deadline that could define the next phase of U.S.-Russia relations. “If nothing changes in 10 days, we’ll start with tariffs, penalties, and restrictions on Russia, and those doing business with them,” Trump said during his visit to Scotland, adding that he is “very disappointed” in Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin Says Russia Has ‘Sanctions Immunity’ as Trump Slashes Ceasefire Deadline

Kremlin Dismisses Threats, Claims ‘Sanctions Immunity’

The Kremlin was quick to respond. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has developed a “certain immunity” to sanctions due to years of operating under economic restrictions.

“We have been living under a huge number of sanctions for quite a long time. Our economy operates under a huge number of restrictions,” Peskov said. “Therefore, of course, we have already developed a certain immunity in this regard.”

The Kremlin added that it is monitoring Trump’s statements closely but brushed off the threat of additional U.S. pressure as routine.

Zakharova: West Is “Stuck in a Rut” Over Sanctions

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reinforced the Kremlin’s stance, calling U.S. sanctions “routine” and ineffective.

In a briefing from Moscow, she criticized the West for failing to understand the limits of economic pressure.

“We see that the West simply cannot let go of the issue of sanctions. It seems as if they are constantly stuck in a rut,” Zakharova said. “Apparently, there are no other options left they have been exhausted.

We are responding and taking measures to counteract all of this or even turn it to our own advantage.”

Trump Clashes With Medvedev Over ‘Ultimatum Game’

Former Russian president and current Deputy Chair of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev added fuel to the fire earlier this week with a blunt warning to Trump.

Writing on social media, Medvedev accused Trump of playing a dangerous “ultimatum game,” warning that such behavior could escalate tensions beyond Ukraine.

“Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran,” Medvedev wrote. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country.”

Trump responded swiftly on Truth Social, lashing out at Medvedev and doubling down on his hardline stance.

“Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Trump warned.

India Faces Fallout from U.S. Tariffs and Russian Oil Trade

Trump’s Russia crackdown has also entangled India, one of the largest importers of Russian oil.

Starting August 1, the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on Indian imports despite Trump referring to Prime Minister Modi as a “good friend.”

“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump posted.

The White House has also warned that nations continuing to buy Russian oil could face “secondary tariffs” of up to 100%.

While China is expected to resist compliance, India has reportedly signaled openness to scaling back its purchases, potentially impacting 2.3 million barrels per day of Russian oil exports.

Oil Prices Jump on Tariff Fears and Russia Uncertainty

The oil market reacted quickly to Trump’s ultimatum and threats of new sanctions on Russian crude.

Brent crude rose by more than 1% on Wednesday, with the expiring September contract closing at $73.24 and the October contract settling at $72.47. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 79 cents, or 1.14%, closing at $70.

“Traders seem more focused on the tariffs related to Russia, and the compliance by India is being taken as a positive towards crude prices,” said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president at BOK Financial.

The threat of secondary tariffs and the possibility of supply disruptions from Russian oil exports added fresh volatility to the energy sector.

Mixed U.S. Data Adds to Market Uncertainty

Despite the geopolitical shake-up, mixed economic data from the U.S. clouded the market outlook.

Crude inventories unexpectedly rose by 7.7 million barrels, while gasoline stocks fell more than expected by 2.7 million barrels. Distillate stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels well above forecast.

U.S. GDP growth rebounded in the second quarter, but analysts cautioned that it was inflated by falling imports. Domestic demand grew at its slowest rate in over two years.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in a split vote, giving no clear signal about future cuts.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said it was still “too soon” to forecast a rate cut in September, despite mounting pressure from markets.

What Comes Next?

As Trump’s new 10–12 day deadline ticks down, all eyes are on Moscow. Whether Putin will offer any concessions or escalate the conflict further remains uncertain.

The White House has indicated that failure to act will result not only in sanctions but broader international isolation, especially for Russia’s trading partners.

While the Kremlin maintains a defiant tone, and markets try to price in future shocks, the geopolitical chessboard is once again shifting dramatically with Ukraine, India, China, and oil prices caught in the crossfire.

Conclusion

The Kremlin’s declaration of “sanctions immunity” is a bold dismissal of U.S. pressure, but Trump’s rapid tightening of the Ukraine ceasefire deadline and the global ramifications of potential trade tariffs suggest that a major turning point may be near. As Russia holds firm and Trump pushes harder, the next few days could be pivotal in determining whether diplomacy or escalation defines the next chapter of this ongoing conflict.

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