(Image source from: x.com/LindseyGrahamSC)
US Senator Lindsey Graham has cautioned that President Donald Trump will apply high tariffs on the trading partners of Moscow, which include India and China, if they keep purchasing Russian oil during Russia's conflict in Ukraine. The Republican senator mentioned that the Trump administration is considering a complete 100 percent tax on oil-related imports, which would support Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts against Kyiv. Graham had previously suggested a law that would introduce a 500 percent tariff on products from nations that continue to do business with Russia, such as India and China. "Trump is going to put tariffs on those who buy Russian oil, including China, India, and Brazil. Here’s what I’d say to China, India, and Brazil: If you keep buying cheap Russian oil and help this war to persist, we are going to take significant actions against you and harm your economy," Graham expressed during an interview. He asserted that the three nations are responsible for about 80 percent of Russia's crude exports, which supports "Putin's war efforts".
Today, President @realDonaldTrump put the countries who fund Putin’s war machine on notice: stop financially supporting the war in Ukraine or face 100% tariffs.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 15, 2025
If I were them, I would take President Trump at his word. pic.twitter.com/RFizrQmMYF
"What you (India, China, and Brazil) are doing is unacceptable. He (Putin) will not cease unless someone makes him," Graham stated. He issued a strong warning to Russia, saying, "Things are different now when it comes to you, President Putin. You have underestimated President Trump, which is a serious error, and your economy will keep suffering". Graham argued that by "invading nations that are not his," Putin is attempting to recreate the Soviet Union. "Putin aims to claim countries that do not belong to him. In the mid-90s, Ukraine relinquished 1,700 nuclear weapons based on a guarantee that its independence would be honored by Russia. Putin violated that guarantee," the Republican added.
