Trump lobbies EU 100% tariffs on China and India pressure Putin

Donald Trump calls on the EU to attack China and India with up to 100% tariffs, forcing Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

A source familiar with the discussion told the BBC that the U.S. president discussed options to increase economic pressure on Russia at a meeting between U.S. and EU officials on Tuesday.

Trump had previously promised to end the conflict on the “first day” of becoming president, and he was working to establish a peace agreement between Moscow and Kiev, as well as Russia’s strike against Ukraine has intensified.

Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he plans to speak with Putin this week or early next week.

China and India are the main buyers of Russian oil, which helps to maintain the country’s economy and war machine.

Last month, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% fine on transactions with Russia.

Although the EU said it would end its dependence on Russian energy, about 19% of natural gas imports still come from there.

If the EU does impose tariffs on China and India, it will mark its approach to trying to use sanctions rather than taxation.

The Financial Times first reported that Trump’s demand for the EU was a remark from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said Washington is ready to escalate economic pressure but needs stronger European support

Ukraine’s main government building in Kiev was hit by Russian missiles over the weekend – the attack was considered symbolic and greatly increased by the Kremlin’s aggressiveness.

Strikes across the country have marked the heaviest aerial bombardment in Ukraine since the beginning of the war. Ukraine said Russian troops have used at least 810 drones and 13 missiles.

A Russian gliding bomb in the eastern Donbas region killed more than 20 civilians on Tuesday as they lined up to collect pensions.

Trump said he was “not satisfied with the whole situation” and Severe sanctions threatening the Kremlin.

The U.S. president had previously promised tougher measures against Russia, but did nothing while Putin ignored his deadline and threats of sanctions.

The highly anticipated summit between Alaska leaders last month did not reach a peace deal.

Trump also said on Tuesday that the United States and India are “continuing negotiations to resolve trade barriers between the two countries.”

He wrote on social media that he plans to talk to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the next few weeks and expects their trade negotiations to reach a “successful conclusion.”

In response, Modi responded to Trump’s optimism that the negotiations would be successful and said the two countries were “close friends and natural companions.”

“Our team is working to end these discussions as early as possible. I look forward to talking to President Trump, too.”

After the collapse of trade talks, some believe Trump’s comments are seen as the latest sign of a reconciliation between Washington and Delhi.

Last week, Trump stressed the “special relationship” between India and the United States, saying “there is nothing to worry about. Sometimes we sometimes have a moment.”