Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly urged the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from India and China to increase pressure on Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump’s suggestion comes as both India and China continue to purchase Russian oil, which the U.S. sees as indirectly supporting Moscow’s military operations.

Trump emphasized that coordinated economic measures by the EU and the U.S. could cut off significant revenue streams for Russia. He reportedly indicated that the U.S. is prepared to mirror any EU-imposed tariffs, which could escalate trade tensions with China and India, two of the world’s largest economies.

While the EU has already imposed targeted sanctions on Russia, member states are reportedly cautious about broad tariffs on India and China due to their extensive trade relationships. Trump’s proposal is intended to maintain pressure until both countries reduce or stop purchasing Russian energy supplies.

In parallel, Trump has expressed that trade discussions with India are ongoing, aiming to address existing barriers and potentially reach a more favorable agreement in the near future.

This move underscores the U.S. strategy of leveraging economic tools to influence global actors and pressure Russia to reconsider its actions in Ukraine, highlighting the complex interplay between international trade and geopolitical conflicts.