In a major shift in tone and policy, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday formally declared Russia to be an “extraordinary threat” to the United States, citing Vladimir Putin’s refusal to halt the war in Ukraine. This designation came alongside the announcement of fresh economic sanctions aimed at pressuring Moscow into agreeing to a ceasefire.
Central to Trump’s response is a new 25% tariff increase on Indian imports, specifically targeting India’s continued purchase of Russian oil—a significant revenue stream for the Kremlin. This secondary tariff, layered on top of existing levies, raises the total import duty on Indian goods to 50%, signaling Washington’s intent to penalize not only Russia but its key economic partners that help sustain its wartime economy.
Trump’s move was formalized through an executive order signed just hours after his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, concluded what the White House described as “crucial talks” with President Putin at the Kremlin. The closed-door meeting lasted approximately three hours, with Witkoff’s convoy seen departing shortly after. While no formal statement has been issued by either side, the stakes of the meeting were made clear by Trump’s ultimatum: Russia must agree to a ceasefire by Friday, or face additional sanctions, including measures aimed at its global energy exports.
“I have received detailed briefings from senior officials regarding Russia’s conduct in Ukraine,” Trump said after the meeting. “This information compels me to conclude that the Russian Federation constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.”
As justification for the tariff hike on India, Trump added: “I find it necessary and appropriate to impose an additional duty on imports from India, which is directly or indirectly importing Russian oil, thereby undermining efforts to restrict revenue to the Russian war machine.”
India and China have emerged as the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil since the start of the Ukraine war. Analysts argue that this continued trade has enabled Moscow to weather sanctions and sustain its military operations, including large-scale missile and drone attacks across Ukraine. India’s oil imports from Russia have reportedly more than doubled since 2022, raising concerns in Washington about global compliance with sanctions.
To cut off these revenue streams, Trump is also considering sanctions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, a network of tankers that covertly transport oil to countries including India and China. Such sanctions could significantly impair Russia’s ability to move oil on the open market.
Witkoff’s fifth visit to Moscow in his role as Trump’s top envoy signals a concerted diplomatic push to end the conflict. However, while Russian officials proposed a partial “air truce”, halting airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, Trump has insisted on a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a prerequisite for broader negotiations. This demand was not met.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov described the talks as “useful and constructive,” stating that messages were exchanged regarding Ukraine and broader U.S.-Russia cooperation. However, he also noted that President Trump had yet to be fully briefed on the outcome.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Trump proceeded with economic measures, marking a significant escalation. The action comes as four European countries pledged $1 billion in U.S. weapons purchases for Ukraine, under a new transatlantic initiative spearheaded by Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
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In recent days, Trump has adopted a more confrontational stance toward Russia, publicly criticizing Moscow for recent missile strikes on Kyiv that killed civilians, which he labeled “disgusting.” Previously restrained in his rhetoric, Trump now appears aligned more directly with Kyiv’s cause, frustrated by Putin’s continued resistance to meaningful peace talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed U.S. engagement, expressing hope for a ceasefire and urging greater international pressure on Russia. “We appreciate the efforts of our partners, especially the United States, in seeking a path to peace,” he said.
Whether Trump’s latest sanctions and diplomatic pressure will yield progress remains uncertain. However, with the Friday deadline approaching, the geopolitical stakes have rarely been higher.
