Donald Trump is urging the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China and India. He wants to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and push for an end to the war in Ukraine.
Trump pushes for stronger measures against Moscow
The US president made his demand during a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday. Both sides discussed new options to hit Russia’s economy harder. According to a source, Trump pressed for maximum tariffs targeting China and India. He had promised to end the war on the “first day” of his presidency. But peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv remain stalled. Meanwhile, Russia has stepped up its strikes on Ukraine.
Trump prepares direct talk with Putin
Trump also revealed on Tuesday that he will soon call Putin. He expects the conversation to take place this week or early next week. China and India are among the largest buyers of Russian oil. Their purchases keep Russia’s economy running and help finance the war effort.
Washington already raised tariffs on India
Last month, the United States imposed tariffs of 50 percent on goods from India. The package included a 25 percent penalty for India’s transactions with Russia. The EU has pledged to cut its reliance on Russian energy. Yet about 19 percent of its natural gas imports still come from there. If Brussels accepts Trump’s demand, it would mark a sharp shift in policy. Until now, Europe has leaned on sanctions, not tariffs.
Treasury secretary calls for European unity
Trump’s push follows statements by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He said Washington is ready to escalate economic pressure. But he underlined that European support is essential.
Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine
A Russian missile struck Ukraine’s central government building in Kyiv over the weekend. Analysts called the strike symbolic and a major escalation. Ukraine faced its heaviest wave of airstrikes since the start of the war. Officials reported that Russia used 810 drones and 13 missiles. On Tuesday, more than 20 civilians were killed in Donetsk by a Russian glide bomb. They had been waiting in line to collect their pensions.
Trump warns Kremlin of new sanctions
Trump declared he was “not happy with the whole situation.” He threatened the Kremlin with harsher sanctions. He had issued similar warnings before, but Putin ignored them. A summit in Alaska last month ended without any peace agreement.
Trade talks with India make progress
Trump also confirmed ongoing negotiations with India about trade barriers. He plans to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks. Trump expressed confidence in a “successful conclusion” soon. Modi shared Trump’s optimism and stressed close ties between the two countries. “Our teams are working to finalize the discussions quickly. I also look forward to speaking with President Trump,” he said.
Signs of renewed partnership with India
Analysts see Trump’s words as a sign of improving relations after failed trade talks. Last week, Trump highlighted the “special relationship” with India. “There’s nothing to worry about,” he said. “We just have occasional differences.”
