US President Donald Trump has called on the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100% on China and India in an attempt to cut off Russia’s economic lifeline and force President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
The demand was made during a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the discussions, as Washington and Brussels explored new ways to escalate economic pressure on Moscow. Trump, who has repeatedly pledged to end the conflict on “day one” of his presidency, has so far struggled to broker a peace deal, while Russia has intensified its military strikes.
Speaking separately to reporters, Trump said he planned to hold a call with Putin later this week or early next week. His comments highlighted China and India’s central role in sustaining Russia’s economy, particularly through energy imports. Both nations remain among the largest buyers of Russian oil, helping to fund the Kremlin’s war effort.
Last month, the US introduced a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty related to its transactions with Russia. While the EU has pledged to wean itself off Russian energy, around 19% of its natural gas imports still come from the country. If Brussels were to impose tariffs on Beijing and Delhi, it would mark a significant shift from its reliance on sanctions to isolate Moscow.
Trump’s request was first reported by the Financial Times and comes amid remarks from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said Washington was ready to intensify economic pressure but required stronger European backing.
The push for tougher action follows one of the most severe escalations in the war to date. Over the weekend, a Russian missile struck Ukraine’s main government building in Kyiv in what officials described as a symbolic act of aggression. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian forces deployed at least 810 drones and 13 missiles in a series of nationwide attacks – the heaviest aerial bombardment since the invasion began. On Tuesday, more than 20 civilians were killed in the eastern Donbas region when a Russian glide bomb struck as they queued to collect pensions.
Trump told reporters he was “not happy with the whole situation” and warned of harsher sanctions on Moscow. Despite earlier threats of punitive measures, the White House has faced criticism for failing to act as Putin ignored deadlines for compliance. A high-profile summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska last month ended without progress on a peace deal.
The president also highlighted ongoing trade talks with India, saying discussions to resolve longstanding barriers were moving towards a “successful conclusion.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the optimism, describing the US and India as “close friends and natural partners.”
Analysts see Trump’s latest comments as part of a broader attempt to rebuild ties with Delhi while simultaneously seeking to tighten global pressure on Moscow.
