Overview

• Trump told allies he will impose major U.S. sanctions on Russia only after all NATO members stop buying Russian oil and he called for group tariffs of 50–100% on China that would be lifted once the war ends.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged G7 partners to adopt “meaningful tariffs” on buyers of discounted Russian crude, while Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said they will advance legislation to authorize such tariffs.
• China rejected the pressure, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying China does not participate in wars and that sanctions only complicate conflicts.
• Türkiye, Hungary and Slovakia remain significant buyers of Russian energy, underscoring legal and political hurdles because NATO is a defense alliance, not a trade bloc.
• The administration recently doubled tariffs on India to 50% over its Russian oil purchases, straining ties, as analysts warn broader curbs could raise energy costs and critics say the public ultimatum could delay direct U.S. action.