The BRICS TimesAfter Moscow carried out its largest aerial strike on Ukraine, US President Donald Trump declared that he is prepared to move toward a “second phase” of sanctions targeting Russia, which may also affect nations like India that continue importing Russian oil.
The announcement came shortly after Russian forces launched their most intense assault on Kyiv in recent history, striking an important government complex in the Ukrainian capital. When asked at the White House if he was prepared to impose a fresh wave of penalties on Russia and its oil buyers, Trump gave a direct response, stating, “Yeah, I am,” while avoiding any further elaboration.
His brief remarks highlight growing frustration within Washington as the conflict stretches on, particularly following the failure of earlier peace attempts to secure a ceasefire. The shift in tone was further reinforced when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told NBC that both Washington and the European Union could move forward with “secondary tariffs” on countries that continue to import Russian crude. He emphasized that only a complete economic collapse would compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to enter meaningful negotiations.
Just weeks ago, Washington imposed a 25 percent punitive tariff on Indian goods exported to the United States, pushing the total import duty to 50 percent. Trump has repeatedly charged New Delhi with “fuelling the Russian war machine” and defended the measures as essential.
India, on its part, has consistently maintained that its oil purchases from Russia are vital for national energy security and has rejected US claims as unfair. Despite Western nations cutting down their dependence on Russian supplies due to the ongoing war, India has remained one of the biggest consumers of Moscow’s crude exports.
The renewed pressure from Washington on nations continuing trade with Russia comes even after a recent online interaction between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that hinted at an easing of bilateral tensions.
Russia Ukraine War Escalates
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified further on Sunday as Moscow unleashed its largest aerial bombardment since the war began, hitting Kyiv with drones and missiles. According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched 810 drones and decoys, of which 747 were intercepted, along with four missiles.
The strike left four civilians dead across Ukraine and severely damaged a significant government facility in the capital. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is ready to meet President Putin to discuss a peace settlement. He also urged Trump to implement stronger sanctions against Moscow to pressure Russia into ending the war.
