Trump Threatens Tariffs on Nations Buying Russian Oil Amid Ukraine Conflict

Trump's Tariff Warning

President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose "100% tariffs" on nations like India, China, and Brazil if they persist in purchasing oil from Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to Republican Senator Lindsey Graham's statements on Sunday.

In a discussion with a news channel, Graham highlighted that these three nations account for approximately 80% of the inexpensive Russian oil, which he claims fuels President Vladimir Putin's military efforts.

Graham's comments follow Trump's earlier warning that a "100% secondary tariff" would be enacted on countries engaging in trade with Russia unless a peace agreement is established between Moscow and Kyiv within a 50-day timeframe.

The conflict began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, marking the most severe military confrontation in Europe since World War II. In response, the United States and its European allies have implemented sanctions targeting Russian businesses and exports to compel Moscow to negotiate with Kyiv.

Since 2022, both India and China have significantly increased their imports of cheaper Russian oil, raising alarms in Washington that these high-volume purchases are undermining Western efforts to pressure the Russian economy and indirectly funding its military actions in Ukraine.

Graham further stated that while Putin might endure sanctions and disregard the welfare of Russian soldiers, nations like India, China, and Brazil are now faced with a critical decision: to choose between the American economy or supporting Putin.

He warned, "If [India, China, and Brazil] continue to buy cheap Russian oil…we will severely damage your economy. What you are doing is blood money."

On July 16, NATO chief Mark Rutte also cautioned that secondary sanctions could impact India, China, and Brazil if they maintain their trade relations with Russia.

NATO is a military alliance comprising 32 countries, including the United States and various European Union members.