Donald Trump is pressing the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China and India. His goal is to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and push for an end to the war in Ukraine.
Trump demands stronger action against Moscow
The US president raised his demand during a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday. Both sides looked at new measures to weaken Russia’s economy. According to a source, Trump called for the toughest possible tariffs on China and India. He had pledged to stop the conflict on the “first day” of his presidency. But peace efforts between Moscow and Kyiv remain stalled. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine have intensified.
Trump prepares call with Putin
Trump also announced on Tuesday that he plans to speak directly with Putin soon. He expects the call this week or early next week. China and India are among Russia’s biggest oil buyers. Their imports provide Moscow with key revenue and help fund the war.
US already raised tariffs on India
Last month, Washington imposed tariffs of 50 percent on Indian products. The move included a 25 percent penalty tied to India’s trade with Russia. The EU has promised to cut reliance on Russian energy. Still, nearly 19 percent of its natural gas imports come from Moscow. If Brussels adopts Trump’s proposal, it would mark a sharp policy shift. Europe has so far relied on sanctions, not tariffs.
Treasury secretary calls for European backing
Trump’s demand followed comments from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He said Washington is ready to increase economic pressure. But he underlined that stronger European support is essential.
Russia intensifies strikes on Ukraine
Over the weekend, a Russian missile hit Ukraine’s central government building in Kyiv. Analysts called the attack both symbolic and escalatory. Ukraine reported its heaviest airstrikes since the start of the war. Officials said Russia launched 810 drones and 13 missiles. On Tuesday, a Russian glide bomb killed more than 20 civilians in Donetsk. They had been queuing to collect their pensions.
Trump threatens Kremlin with harsher sanctions
Trump said he was “not happy with the whole situation.” He warned the Kremlin of tougher sanctions. He had made similar pledges before, but Putin ignored them. A recent summit in Alaska ended without progress on peace.
Trade talks with India move forward
Trump also confirmed that Washington and New Delhi are still negotiating trade issues. He plans to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks. Trump voiced confidence that the talks would reach a “successful conclusion.” Modi echoed Trump’s optimism and praised their partnership. “Our teams are working to conclude the discussions quickly. I also look forward to speaking with President Trump,” he said.
Warming ties between Washington and New Delhi
Observers see Trump’s comments as a sign of renewed cooperation after earlier trade talks collapsed. Just last week, Trump stressed the “special relationship” with India. “There’s nothing to worry about,” he said. “Sometimes we just have small disagreements.”
