Graham Warns of 100% Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers; Targets India, China and Brazil

New Delhi (India) July 22: In light of Russia's conflict in Ukraine, US Senator Lindsey Graham is threatening that US President Donald Trump will impose high tariffs on Moscow's trading partners. The partners include China and India, if they continue purchasing Russian oil. 

US Targets Nations Helping Russia

This is done in an effort to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin's campaign against Kyiv. The Republican member said that the Trump administration intended to put a 100% tariff on imports connected to oil.

He said, "Trump is going to impose tariffs on people that buy Russian oil - China, India, and Brazil... Here's what I would tell China, India and Brazil: If you keep buying cheap Russian oil to allow this war to continue, we're going to tear up the hell out of you, and we're going to crush your economy" during an interview.

Graham's Warning to India, China, Brazil

Graham had previously introduced a bill that will impose 500 percent tariffs on commodities. These tariffs will be on nations like China and India that still trade with Russia.

According to Graham, around 80% of Russia's crude exports come from these three nations. It keeps "Putin's war machine going."

According to him, Putin's "turn is coming" after Trump's management of the "incredibly dangerous" Iran. 

Graham added, "Donald Trump is the Scotty Scheffler of American politics and foreign diplomacy, and he's about to put a whooping on your ass."

Graham also said that Trump's administration is done playing good. The action is meant to cut off the funding that allows Russia to invade Ukraine.

Graham said, “The game has changed when it comes to you, President Putin. 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” in a warning.

Trump previously promised to end the war on the first day of his second term. The nasty comments appear to reflect the administration's growing annoyance with Putin's lack of interest in doing so.

Since Trump's return to the White House over seven months ago, the war has become worse as Russia has increased its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Sanctions Could Shake Economies

The warning comes as China and India continue to be two of the largest consumers of Russian oil. They get oil at reduced prices as a result of Western sanctions. Despite being a smaller consumer, Brazil continues to trade with Moscow during the conflict.

Graham's remarks are being seen as an inside look at the Trump administration's next significant foreign policy escalated action. It may have significant consequences for some of the fastest-growing nations in the world. The White House has not yet made an official announcement.

Aadrika Tayal