Donald Trump is urging the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China and India. He wants to ramp up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and move toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Trump presses for tougher measures against Russia
The US president made his demand during a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday. Both sides explored new ways to damage Russia’s economy more deeply. According to a source, Trump argued for maximum tariffs aimed at China and India. He had pledged to resolve the conflict on the “first day” of his presidency. Yet peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv remain frozen. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Ukraine have sharply escalated.
Trump prepares call with Putin
On Tuesday, Trump also announced that he intends to call Putin soon. He said the conversation could take place this week or early next week. China and India remain among the largest importers of Russian oil. Their purchases sustain Russia’s economy and finance its war campaign.
United States already raised tariffs on India
Last month, Washington imposed tariffs of 50 percent on Indian goods. The package included a 25 percent surcharge linked to India’s trade with Russia. The EU has vowed to reduce its reliance on Russian energy. Still, nearly 19 percent of its natural gas imports come from Moscow. If Brussels adopts Trump’s demand, it would mark a significant policy shift. Europe has so far depended on sanctions rather than tariffs.
Treasury secretary urges stronger European role
Trump’s push came after comments by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He said Washington is ready to raise economic pressure further. But he emphasized that Europe’s stronger backing is vital.
Russia escalates airstrikes on Ukraine
Over the weekend, a Russian missile hit Ukraine’s main government building in Kyiv. Observers described the strike as both symbolic and a clear escalation. Ukraine reported its heaviest wave of airstrikes since the war began. Officials said Russia launched 810 drones and 13 missiles. On Tuesday, more than 20 civilians died in Donetsk after a Russian glide bomb strike. They had been waiting to collect their pensions.
Trump threatens harsher sanctions on Kremlin
Trump said he was “not happy with the whole situation.” He warned Moscow of tougher sanctions. He had issued similar threats before, but Putin ignored them. A high-level summit in Alaska last month ended without progress.
Trade talks with India advancing
Trump also confirmed that trade talks with India are ongoing. He plans to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks. Trump said he expects a “successful conclusion” soon. Modi echoed Trump’s optimism and praised the strong partnership. “Our teams are working to finalize the talks quickly. I also look forward to speaking with President Trump,” he said.
Signs of warming relations with New Delhi
Analysts see Trump’s latest comments as a sign of improving ties after earlier 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 differences.”
