Rutte warns of 100% tariffs on China, India and Brazil if Russia rejects peace talks

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Tuesday the United States could impose 100% tariffs on China, India, and Brazil if Russia failed to engage in peace talks with Ukraine within 50 days.

Speaking at a press briefing, Rutte said US President Donald Trump’s latest decisions mark a significant escalation in efforts to pressure Moscow to end its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“President Trump has made it clear that Ukraine will now receive substantial amounts of military support from the United States,” Rutte noted. “This includes not only air defence systems, but also missiles and ammunition, which will be financed by European countries.”

Rutte added that the US administration was prepared to take economic action against countries seen as indirectly supporting Russia.

“President Trump has actually said that if Russia does not take peace talks seriously, within 50 days he will impose secondary sanctions - 100% tariffs - on countries like India, China, and Brazil,” Rutte stated. “My advice to these three countries is to watch this very carefully. This could hit you hard. Please call Vladimir Putin and tell him that he needs to take peace talks seriously.”

The NATO chief also reaffirmed Europe’s long-term commitment to Ukraine, saying the continent would “find the money” necessary to help Kyiv continue its defence.

“We will ensure Ukraine remains capable of defending itself until meaningful negotiations begin,” he said, emphasizing that Western partners would also offer the most favourable conditions possible for initiating peace talks.