US President Donald Trump signalled his readiness to escalate sanctions against Russia amid Moscow’s continued defiance over the Ukraine war.
When asked in Washington on Sunday if he was prepared to move to the second phase of sanctions, Trump replied, “Yeah, I am,” without providing further details.
India Faces Trump Tariffs, China Under Review
Earlier, President Trump imposed a 25 per cent punitive tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil.
He also hinted in mid-August that China, which avoided punitive measures despite buying Russian oil, could face action ‘in two or three weeks’. However, no decision has been announced.
More than three weeks have passed since Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in a summit aimed at ending the Ukraine war.
Despite Trump’s optimism, a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not taken place, while Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine.
White House Officials Highlight Sanctions Debate
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett acknowledged that the surge in Russian attacks would trigger renewed discussions on sanctions.
“I’m sure that there’s going to be a lot of talk today and tomorrow about the level of sanctions and the timing of sanctions,” Hassett said.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested expanding sanctions on Russian oil buyers by coordinating with the European Union (EU). He argued that joint US-EU secondary sanctions could push the Russian economy toward collapse and force Putin to negotiate.
Bessent admitted that the EU continues to import Russian gas directly and indirectly through Indian products refined from Russian oil. This dependency complicates the possibility of Europe imposing punitive sanctions on India while maintaining its own purchases.
“We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia, but we need our European partners to follow us,” Bessent said.
Ukrainian President Zelensky Calls Out European Double Standards
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised European countries for continuing to buy Russian energy.
“They continue to buy oil and Russian gas. And this is not fair. He told ABC News, “To be open and clear, it’s not fair.”
Zelensky defended Trump’s tariffs on India, calling them the ‘right idea’.
When asked if the sanctions plan backfired after Trump posted on Truth Social that “we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China,” Zelensky dismissed the concern.
He said, “I think imposing tariffs on the countries that continue to make deals with Russia is the right idea.”
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