Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on Nations Importing Russian Energy if Peace Deal Fails in 50 Days

India may face fallout as Washington seeks to squeeze Moscow’s war funding through energy sanctions

New York — U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday warned of a sweeping 100% “secondary tariff” on countries that continue to import oil, gas, and uranium from Russia, escalating pressure on Moscow to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine. Speaking at the White House alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said the punitive measure would take effect in 50 days if Russia fails to negotiate peace.

“We’re very, very unhappy with them,” Trump declared. “If we don’t have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100 percent — you’d call them secondary tariffs — will be imposed.”

The proposed tariff, while aimed squarely at Russia, could impact countries like India, which continues to import Russian energy and is currently negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with Washington. Trump’s strategy reflects a growing U.S. effort to isolate Russia economically by targeting its energy exports — the primary source of funding for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

“If countries like India and China are forced to stop buying Russian oil and gas, the war machine in Moscow will face a serious financial crunch,” a senior U.S. official said. Washington believes such measures could also pressure Beijing to push Moscow toward peace.

Trump also voiced support for a bipartisan bill introduced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, which proposes an even steeper 500% tariff on Russian energy buyers. Though the legislation enjoys broad bipartisan backing with 85 co-sponsors, Trump downplayed the need for it.

“I’m not sure we need it,” he said, “because I already have the power to impose these tariffs myself.”

Despite that, he welcomed the initiative. “It’s certainly good they’re doing it. They’ve actually crafted a pretty good piece of legislation,” Trump added. He noted that Graham was working with House Speaker Mike Johnson and predicted the bill would pass “very easily” after a few “little tweaks.”

India, one of Russia’s largest oil customers since the Ukraine war began, has previously defended its position. In December, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that India’s energy decisions are driven by national interest and economic necessity, not politics.

“Russian oil is not necessarily cheap,” Jaishankar said. “But India did the entire world a favour by purchasing it. If we hadn’t, global oil prices would have shot up to $200 a barrel.”

Trump’s tariff threat may complicate India’s energy diplomacy, especially as it seeks to balance its strategic ties with both Washington and Moscow.

The former president expressed clear frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of backtracking on earlier peace talks.

“My conversations with him are very pleasant, and then the missiles go off at night,” Trump said. “I felt we had a deal about four times, but it just kept going on and on.”

Despite his discontent, Trump announced increased U.S. support for Ukraine, including the provision of Patriot missiles and other military equipment. “We’re going to help Ukraine defend itself,” he said.

The proposed tariffs and weapons aid signal a tougher stance by Trump toward Russia, as he seeks to end the war through a mix of financial coercion and strategic pressure. However, the global repercussions — particularly for nations like India — could be far-reaching, potentially reshaping global energy dynamics and diplomatic alliances in the months ahead.

Team Maverick.