Donald Trump is pressing the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China and India. He hopes to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and bring the war in Ukraine closer to an end.
Trump demands tougher action on Russia
The US president issued his demand during a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday. Both sides discussed new ways to tighten the squeeze on Russia’s economy. According to a source, Trump pushed for maximum tariffs targeting China and India. He had vowed to end the conflict on the “first day” of his presidency. But negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv remain blocked. Meanwhile, Russia has escalated its military strikes on Ukraine.
Trump plans upcoming call with Putin
Trump announced on Tuesday that he intends to call Putin soon. He said the conversation will take place this week or early next week. China and India are among the biggest purchasers of Russian oil. Their imports sustain Russia’s economy and help fund its war machine.
Washington already sanctioned India with tariffs
Last month, the United States placed tariffs of 50 percent on Indian goods. The package also included a 25 percent penalty linked to India’s trade with Russia. The EU has pledged to cut its dependence on Russian energy. Yet nearly 19 percent of its natural gas imports still come from Moscow. Should Brussels follow Trump’s demand, it would mark a sharp policy shift. Europe has so far relied on sanctions, not tariffs.
Treasury secretary presses for European backing
Trump’s demand came after remarks from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He said Washington is ready to raise economic pressure further. But he stressed that stronger European support is crucial.
Russia intensifies missile and drone strikes
Over the weekend, a Russian missile struck Ukraine’s main government building in Kyiv. Analysts called the attack both symbolic and escalatory. Ukraine reported its heaviest wave of airstrikes since the war began. Officials said Russia launched 810 drones and 13 missiles. On Tuesday, a Russian glide bomb killed more than 20 civilians in Donetsk. They had been queuing to collect their pensions.
Trump warns of harsher sanctions on Kremlin
Trump declared he was “not happy with the whole situation.” He threatened tougher sanctions against Moscow. He had made similar pledges before, but Putin ignored them. A recent summit in Alaska ended without any breakthrough on peace.
Trade negotiations with India continue
Trump also confirmed ongoing talks with India about trade barriers. He said he plans to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks. Trump voiced confidence that the discussions would reach a “successful conclusion.” Modi echoed Trump’s optimism and praised the strong ties between the two nations. “Our teams are working to conclude the talks quickly. I also look forward to speaking with President Trump,” he said.
Growing signs of closer US-India ties
Analysts see Trump’s latest remarks as a sign of reconciliation after earlier talks collapsed. Just last week, Trump underlined the “special relationship” with India. “There’s nothing to worry about,” he said. “Sometimes we just have small disagreements.”
