• Trump proposes 100% tariffs on China and India to pressure Russia.
• The U.S. is willing to match EU tariffs if they are imposed.
• China and India are major buyers of Russian oil, vital for Moscow's economy.
• The EU may resist implementing such tariffs due to economic concerns.
• Discussions align with growing frustrations over Russia's war efforts.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the European Union (EU) to implement tariffs of up to 100% on China and India as part of a broader strategy aimed at pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. During a conference call with EU officials, Trump underscored the necessity of targeting these countries due to their significant role in purchasing Russian oil, which finances the Kremlin’s military operations, according to Bangkok Post, Reuters, and TRT Global.

Trump’s proposal received support from certain U.S. officials who indicated that the administration was ready to "mirror" any tariffs the EU might impose on these countries. This approach reflects a growing frustration within the White House as attempts for a peace deal seem to falter, amid escalating attacks from Russian forces on Ukrainian cities. A U.S. official stated, “The source of the money for the Russian war machine is oil purchases by China and India,” as reported by India Times, Al Jazeera, and SCMP.

Despite Trump's pressures, EU responses remain cautious as many member states express reluctance to impose such severe tariffs. Officials cited concerns over potential disruption of supply chains and economic repercussions, as many European businesses rely on trade with both nations. The EU has historically opted for sanctions over tariffs, which undergo thorough investigations before implementation, raising doubts about whether such drastic measures could be effectively enacted. "We are careful to show our working," stated EU officials, according to India Times and SCMP.

Moreover, some EU diplomats have raised concerns about the internal complexities between EU member states, as countries like Hungary and Slovakia continue to import Russian energy, complicating a unified EU stance against Russia. The situation has prompted discussions surrounding secondary sanctions targeting third countries aiding Russia, yet skepticism persists regarding the EU's capacity to implement such strategies. Discussions on these potential measures highlight the ongoing balancing act the EU faces in its approach towards Russia and its economic dependencies, as explained by sources from Al Jazeera and TRT Global.