Trump Urges EU to Impose 100% Tariffs on China and India to Pressure Putin Over Ukraine War
US President Donald Trump has called on the European Union (EU) to impose tariffs of up to 100% on China and India, aiming to cut off Russia’s key financial lifelines and force Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump Pushes EU to Act Tough on Russia’s Allies
Trump made the request during a high-level meeting with EU officials on Tuesday, according to sources who spoke to the BBC. The talks focused on new ways to intensify economic pressure on Russia, whose strikes on Ukraine have escalated in recent weeks.
The president, who has repeatedly promised to “end the war on day one,” has so far struggled to secure a breakthrough peace deal. He also revealed plans to speak directly with Russian President Putin on a call later this week or early next week.
China and India’s Role in Supporting Russia
China and India remain two of Moscow’s biggest trading partners, particularly through purchases of Russian oil, which continues to fuel Russia’s economy and war effort.
Last month, Washington imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty tied to India’s dealings with Russia. Meanwhile, despite pledges to reduce reliance on Russian energy, the EU still imports about 19% of its natural gas from Russia.
If the EU agrees to Trump’s proposal, it would signal a major shift from its current approach of sanctions to direct tariff measures against Russia’s allies.
Heaviest Strikes on Ukraine Since the War Began
The push for tougher economic action comes after one of the most brutal weekends in Ukraine since the war started. A Russian missile struck the main government building in Kyiv, while the country faced its heaviest aerial bombardment yet. Ukrainian officials said at least 810 drones and 13 missiles were launched in coordinated attacks.
In a separate strike on Tuesday, more than 20 civilians were killed in Donbas after a Russian glide bomb hit people waiting in line to collect pensions.
Trump condemned the violence, saying he was “not happy with the whole situation,” and warned of harsher sanctions on Moscow if the attacks continued.
No Breakthrough in Peace Talks
Despite earlier promises of tough action, critics say Trump has been slow to deliver. A much-anticipated summit with Putin in Alaska last month ended without any progress toward peace.
Still, Trump has insisted he will not rule out stronger penalties, including further sanctions and trade restrictions, if Moscow continues its aggression.
Trump and Modi Signal Optimism on Trade Talks
Beyond Russia, Trump also addressed ongoing trade negotiations with India. He confirmed plans to speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks, saying he expects a “successful conclusion” to talks aimed at reducing trade barriers.
Modi responded positively, describing the US and India as “close friends and natural partners.” He expressed confidence that discussions would wrap up soon and said he looked forward to speaking with Trump directly.
The remarks are being seen as a sign of renewed cooperation between Washington and Delhi, following earlier setbacks in trade talks.
Outlook
Trump’s call for the EU to impose tariffs on China and India underscores his push for a harder stance on Russia’s backers, even as peace remains elusive. With rising civilian casualties in Ukraine and tensions in global trade, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in shaping both the war’s trajectory and America’s alliances.