US Senator Lindsey Graham issued a stark warning on July 22, 2025, stating that President Donald Trump plans to impose 100% tariffs on oil imports from India, China, and Brazil if they continue purchasing Russian crude, which he claims funds Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. Speaking on Fox News, Graham accused these nations, responsible for 80% of Russia’s oil exports, of enabling Putin’s “war machine” with “blood money.” He previously proposed a bill for 500% tariffs on goods from countries trading with Russia.

Graham directly addressed Putin, saying, “You’ve played President Trump at your peril. Your economy will be crushed.” He accused Putin of attempting to recreate the Soviet Union by invading Ukraine, which relinquished 1,700 nuclear weapons in the 1990s based on Russia’s promise to respect its sovereignty—a promise Graham says Putin broke.

The remarks reflect growing frustration in the Trump administration, now seven months into its second term, as Putin resists peace talks amid escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Last week, Trump announced new US weapons for Ukraine and threatened “biting” 100% tariffs unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed this, urging India, China, and Brazil to pressure Putin for peace or face severe sanctions.

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India’s Foreign Ministry responded cautiously, emphasizing its priority to secure energy needs and warning against “double standards.” India, which ramped up Russian oil imports from 1% to 40% since 2022, faces a critical choice between economic ties with the US and affordable Russian energy.

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