US Senator Warns India, China, Brazil of Crippling Tariffs Over Russian Oil Imports
Washington, DC: US Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a stern warning to India, China, and Brazil, stating that President Donald Trump intends to impose severe tariffs on nations continuing to purchase Russian oil. In a recent Fox News interview, Graham emphasized that these countries, which collectively account for approximately 80 percent of Russia’s crude oil exports, are enabling Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts in Ukraine by sustaining Moscow’s oil revenue.
“Trump is going to impose tariffs on people that buy Russian oil – China, India, and Brazil,” Graham said, highlighting that Trump plans to introduce a 100 percent tariff on oil-related imports from these nations to disrupt financial support for Putin’s military campaign. Graham argued that these purchases constitute “blood money” by fueling Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Addressing Putin directly, Graham asserted, “You have played President Trump at your own peril. You made a major league mistake, and your economy is going to continue to be crushed.” He accused the Russian leader of attempting to rebuild the Soviet Union by seizing neighboring territories, citing Ukraine’s 1990s decision to relinquish 1,700 nuclear weapons in exchange for sovereignty assurances from Russia, which Putin has violated.
Graham compared Trump’s diplomatic approach to that of elite golfer Scottie Scheffler, stating, “Donald Trump is the Scotty Scheffler of American politics and foreign diplomacy, and he’s about to put a whooping on your ass.” He stressed that the proposed tariffs serve as a warning to other nations, signaling that continued trade with Russia will lead to significant economic consequences.
The senator also underscored ongoing US support for Ukraine, noting that weapons will continue to flow to Kyiv to bolster its defense against Russian forces. Graham’s remarks reflect a broader strategy to pressure nations reliant on Russian oil to reconsider their trade practices in light of potential economic repercussions from the United States.