In a bold move, the US Treasury is rallying its G7 and EU allies to impose hefty tariffs on imports of Russian oil from China and India, aiming to choke off vital funds for Putin's ongoing war in Ukraine.

While former President Trump has already slapped a hefty 25% duty on Indian imports to compel India to halt its oil purchases from Russia, he remains cautious about applying the same pressure on China due to intricate trade relations. For now, Trump’s administration has focused its tariff attention on India, bringing the total punitive tariffs on Indian goods to a staggering 50%, further complicating trade negotiations.

A Call to Action: Tariffs Against Supporters of War

A US Treasury representative stated, 'Chinese and Indian purchases of Russian oil are funding Putin's war machine and prolonging the senseless killing of the Ukrainian people.' In a bid to solidify international resolve, the Treasury has organized an urgent G7 conference to discuss robust responses to the situation in Ukraine. This week, officials emphasized to their EU allies the critical need for coordinated action, declaring that meaningful tariffs could be lifted the moment the conflict subsides.

Strained Relations and Diplomatic Talks

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to visit Madrid soon for talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, where they plan to discuss not just trade issues—such as the US demands for TikTok to divest its American operations—but also larger topics like preventing money laundering.

During a recent Fox News interview, Trump expressed his growing impatience with Putin, lamenting the Russian leader’s reluctance to pursue peace despite previous diplomatic overtures. He hinted at the potential for augmented sanctions targeting Russian banking and oil sectors, as well as increased tariffs as part of a unified front against the Kremlin.

A Unified Front Against Aggression

Trump urged that European nations must step up their involvement in the campaign against Russia, stating, 'We're going to have to come down very, very strong.' A Treasury spokesperson reaffirmed the necessity for a united effort among G7 members, indicating that the Trump administration is poised for decisive action against those aiding Putin's war.

This call for tariffs marks a critical juncture in the ongoing battle over international oil purchases and their implications for global stability.