Trump Again Threatens Sanctions Against Russia's Trade Partners 0 8

Members of the U.S. Republican Party are developing a bill that would allow sanctions against any country continuing to do business with Russia during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This was stated by U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, November 16, while speaking to the media aboard Air Force One in Florida.

During the conversation, one of the journalists asked whether "the time has come" for the U.S. Congress to push for pressure on Russia and President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. "I’ve heard they’re working on it, and I’m fine with that. The Republicans are advancing a bill that is very powerful, it imposes sanctions on both for any country that does business with Russia," Trump responded.

According to the U.S. president, Iran may be added to the list of such countries.

The Idea of 500% Sanctions Against Russia's Partners Has Been Discussed in the U.S. Since April

In April, Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal called for imposing trade tariffs of up to 500% on countries that purchase oil, gas, uranium, and other goods from Russia while not supporting Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion.

"India and China are buying 70% of Putin’s oil, supporting his war machine on the go. My bill is supported by 84 senators. It will allow the president to impose sanctions on India, China, and other countries to stop them from sponsoring Putin’s war machine to bring them to the negotiating table," Graham explained the essence of his initiative.

Trump Said He Sees No Sense in 500% Tariffs

Graham stated at the end of June that the U.S. president supports his initiative. However, Trump later called the idea of imposing 500% tariffs "a bit pointless," as this method "loses significance" after a certain point. "Tariffs of 100% will serve the same function," the U.S. president said during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House in July.

At the end of July, the U.S. imposed increased tariffs on goods from India at 25%, justifying the decision by stating that the country continues to purchase oil from Russia.