U.S. President Donald Trump turns heat to demand European Union to hit China and India with tariffs of up to 100%, aiming to cut off funding from Russia.
Trump made the demand during a high-level meeting between U.S. and EU officials on Tuesday, where economic strategies to confront Russia were discussed. The move would mark a sharp shift in Europe’s traditional approach of isolating Moscow through sanctions rather than punitive tariffs.
“China and India are financing Putin’s war machine,” Trump reportedly told EU officials. “It’s time they pay a price.”
Targeting Moscow's Lifelines:
China and India have remained two of the largest buyers of Russian oil, helping to sustain Russia’s economy despite widespread international sanctions. While the EU has reduced its dependence on Russian energy, around 19% of its natural gas still comes from the country.
Last month, the United States raised tariffs on Indian goods by 50%, citing Delhi’s ongoing economic cooperation with Moscow as a key reason. Trump’s call for EU action appears to build on that pressure, as Washington pushes allies for stronger collective measures against the Kremlin.
War in Ukraine Intensifies:
Trump’s demand comes amid a dramatic escalation in the war in Ukraine. Over the weekend, a Russian missile struck the main government building in Kyiv—a symbolic and strategic blow that was followed by the heaviest aerial bombardment since the war began.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russian forces launched over 810 drones and 13 missiles in a single wave of attacks. On Tuesday, a Russian glide bomb killed more than 20 civilians waiting in line to collect pensions in the eastern Donbas region.
Trump, who has repeatedly pledged to end the war “on day one” of a second term, expressed frustration over the continued conflict. “I’m not happy with the whole situation,” he said, threatening new sanctions against the Kremlin. Despite previous warnings to Moscow, Trump has yet to follow through with tougher penalties, and Russia has continued to defy his ultimatums.
Diplomatic Push with China, India:
In a separate statement, Trump said he plans to speak with President Putin “this week or early next week,” in a continued effort to broker a peace deal. The last major summit between the two leaders in Alaska ended without any agreement.
Trump is also working to mend relations with India. Trade tensions between Washington and Delhi had escalated in recent months, but both sides now appear optimistic. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump confirmed that negotiations are ongoing to address trade barriers with India, and he expects a “successful conclusion” soon.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the sentiment, calling the U.S. and India “close friends and natural partners.”
“Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest,” Modi said. “I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump.”
Trump has recently emphasized the strong bond between the two democracies, stating last week: “There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
A Pivotal Moment for EU Policy:
If the EU moves forward with tariffs on China and India, it would represent a significant departure from its current strategy. European leaders have generally focused on direct sanctions against Russian companies and individuals, rather than targeting third-party nations.
However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that current efforts may not be enough. “We’re ready to escalate,” Bessent said last week. “But we need stronger European backing.”
Whether the EU will respond to Trump’s call remains unclear, but with the war in Ukraine reaching new levels of intensity, pressure is mounting for a coordinated global response.
