8 hours ago
Last Updated:July 22, 2025, 12:58 IST
US Senator Lindsey Graham noted that President Donald Trump will impose steep tariffs on countries that continue to engage with Russia in oil trade.
US Senator Lindsey Graham | File Image
US Senator Lindsey Graham warned that countries such as India, China, and Brazil could face severe economic setbacks if they continue importing discounted Russian oil.
He further noted that President Donald Trump will impose steep tariffs on countries that continue to engage with Russia in oil trade.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Graham said, “If you keep buying cheap Russian oil to allow this war to continue, we will tariff the hell out of you," referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“And we’re going to crush your economy, because what you are doing is blood money", he added.
US Senator Lindsey Graham“I would tell China, India & Brazil. If you keep buying cheap Russian oil, to allow this war to continue, we will tariff the hell out of you & we’re going to crush your economy, bz what you are doing is blood money"pic.twitter.com/sSGUEzhhd7
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 21, 2025
His remarks reflect growing sentiment within sections of the US political space calling for secondary sanctions on nations trading with Russia, particularly in energy.
The comments came after President Trump also announced support for imposing steep tariffs on countries continuing to buy Russian oil and gas.
Speaking from the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump stated that the US would consider 100 percent tariffs on such nations unless a peace deal with Russia is reached within the next 50 days.
Trump criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “He fooled Clinton, Bush, Obama, Biden – he didn’t fool me." He added that tariffs were intended to pressure Russia into negotiations, not as a final measure.
The calls for punitive action are part of a broader legislative push in the US Congress.
Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal are backing a bill that proposes tariffs of up to 500 per cent on countries continuing to purchase Russian energy exports.
In a joint statement, they argued that these nations are indirectly funding the conflict in Ukraine.
India, one of the major buyers of Russian oil since the conflict began, has defended its position, citing national energy security and affordability.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently acknowledged that Indian officials have communicated with Senator Graham regarding the proposed legislation.
view commentsLocation :United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world US Senator Lindsey Graham's 'Russian Oil' Warning To India, China: 'Will Crush Your Economy'
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