US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100% on China and India in a bid to cut off Moscow’s economic lifeline and force Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
According to sources cited by the Financial Times and confirmed to the BBC, Trump made the demand during a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday, where both sides discussed new ways to escalate economic pressure on Russia.
The proposal comes amid intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine. Over the weekend, Kyiv’s main government building was struck by a missile in one of the Kremlin’s most symbolic assaults yet, while heavy aerial bombardments across the country marked the deadliest wave of attacks since the war began. Ukraine reported that at least 810 drones and 13 missiles were used in the strikes.
On Tuesday, tragedy struck again when more than 20 civilians were killed by a Russian glide bomb in the eastern Donbas region as they queued to collect their pensions.
Trump told reporters after the bombardment that he was “not happy with the whole situation,” vowing harsher sanctions on the Kremlin. However, critics note that while Trump has issued repeated threats of tougher measures, little concrete action has followed.
The president also revealed he plans to hold a call with Putin “this week or early next week” in a renewed attempt to push for a peace deal, after last month’s high-profile summit in Alaska ended without progress.
Meanwhile, Trump confirmed that the US is continuing trade negotiations with India and expects a “successful conclusion” soon. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded positively, describing the US and India as “close friends and natural partners.”
China and India remain two of Russia’s biggest energy buyers, purchasing large volumes of oil that have helped Moscow cushion the blow of Western sanctions. Analysts say that hitting them with tariffs would mark a major shift in EU strategy, which so far has focused on isolating Russia through targeted sanctions rather than punishing its global trade partners.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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