Ukrainian President backs US tariff move, slams energy trade with Moscow as Putin’s “weapon”; India calls action unfair
Trump Slaps 50% Tariff on Indian Goods Over Russian Oil Purchases
Former US President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian imports to a steep 50%, adding an extra 25% penalty specifically targeting India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
- India labeled the US move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable“
- New Delhi maintains its position advocating for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine
- Tariffs are part of Trump’s broader push to punish countries trading with Russia during the Ukraine war
Zelensky Calls Tariffs on Russian Trade Allies “The Right Idea”
Speaking to ABC News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for Trump’s move, saying energy trade with Russia only fuels Vladimir Putin’s aggression.
“Energy is his weapon… Tariffs are the right idea to stop the killer,” Zelensky said.
Key points from his statement:
- Urged the US to intensify pressure on countries still buying Russian oil and gas
- Accused some European partners of undermining sanctions by continuing energy imports from Moscow
- Reiterated the need to completely cut off Russian energy exports
Zelensky Slams Europe, Rejects Putin’s Invite to Moscow
Zelensky didn’t spare his European allies either, criticizing them for their ongoing dependence on Russian gas. He also responded to Russian President Putin’s recent invitation to Moscow for peace talks:
“He (Putin) can come to Kyiv… I can’t go to Moscow when my country is under missiles.”
After Deadly Airstrikes, Trump Hints at New Sanctions on Russia
Just hours after Russia launched one of its biggest aerial assaults on Ukraine, killing four and destroying key infrastructure in Kyiv, Trump said he was prepared to impose new sanctions on Moscow.
- The strike followed a fruitless meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska on August 15
- Zelensky called for a strong US response, as hope for a ceasefire continues to fade
“Trump gave Putin what he wanted — a meeting with the US President,” Zelensky added, reacting to Putin’s publicized welcome in Alaska.
With tensions escalating, Zelensky’s endorsement of tariffs and pressure tactics underscores the widening global divide over trade with Russia. As India pushes back diplomatically and the war grinds on, Trump’s aggressive trade strategy is drawing both praise and criticism on the world stage.
