US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened a strong warning to Russia, explaining that the US will impose 100% tariffs and further "secondary tariffs" on nations that continue buying Russian energy if Moscow fails to agree to bring an end to the Ukraine war in the next 50 days.
We're extremely, extremely unhappy with them. And we're going to be imposing very harsh tariffs if we don't have a deal in 50 days. Tariffs of somewhere around 100 per cent, you'd call them second-level tariffs," Trump informed at a session with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Trump and Rutte also unveiled a new program to help speed the flow of US-produced weapons to Ukraine through NATO countries, confirming their alliance's support of Kyiv.
White House officials made it official that the Trump administration is preparing to impose these steep tariffs on Russia. Trump referred to the proposed economic sanctions as "biting" and "powerful."
Trump has recently escalated criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating frustration about the extended conflict.
"I'm disappointed in President Putin, because I thought we would have had a deal two months ago," Trump said to reporters.
Trump's words follow growing momentum in the US Senate for the Sanctioning Russia Bill 2025, which suggests 500% tariffs against nations that continue to import Russian energy products, including crude and natural gas.
In April, the bill is supported by both sides of the aisle and by Republican and staunch Trump supporter, as well as Democrat, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. The bill further provides the President with waiver authority, enabling temporary relief to specific countries depending on national interest.
Trump has indicated his support for the provision of a waiver, stating that it offers him flexibility to modify the scope of the sanctions, if necessary.
India has been one of the most prominent nations in the current debate. India was the second-largest purchaser of Russian fossil fuels in May 2025, buying approximately €4.2 billion worth, with crude oil accounting for 72% of the quantity, as per the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.
India's foreign affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, said that India's embassy in Washington, D.C., has spoken with Senator Lindsey Graham to convey India's worries regarding the bill.
India's large Russian oil purchases could expose it to secondary sanctions if the bill is enacted and a waiver is not provided.
As calls grow for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, Trump's most recent statements emphasize a tough-line economic approach aimed at Russia and its trading partners. The threat of direct and secondary sanctions is set to revolutionize global energy trade patterns and strain diplomatic relationships with countries such as India and China.
