In a sharp warning, US Senator Lindsey Graham has told India, China, and Brazil to stop buying Russian oil or face massive tariffs from the US. He said, “Trump is going to impose tariffs on people that buy Russian oil… and we’re going to crush your economy.”
Graham claimed these three countries are helping fund Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing discounted crude oil. He said that about 80% of Russia’s oil exports go to India, China, and Brazil—money that allegedly keeps Putin’s war machine running.
Tariff Threats: 100% or Even 500%
Graham, a strong ally of former President Donald Trump, said the Trump administration may soon impose 100% tariffs on oil-linked imports. He had earlier proposed a bill with 500% tariffs on goods from any country that continues to trade with Russia.
During his Fox News interview, he didn’t hold back:
“What you’re doing is blood money… We’ll tear up the hell out of you.”
Lindsey Graham: Here’s what I would tell China, India and Brazil. If you keep buying cheap Russian oil… we will tariff the hell out of you and we’re going to crush your economy pic.twitter.com/x05J3G8oOk
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 21, 2025
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Trump, NATO, and the Growing Pressure
Trump, now in his second term, had promised to end the war on “Day 1”. But seven months later, the war continues. Now, Trump and NATO are shifting gears.
Just last week, Trump announced new weapons for Ukraine and gave a 50-day deadline for peace. If not, he warned, there will be biting secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil.
Even NATO chief Mark Rutte echoed the threat. He urged India, China, and Brazil to pressure Russia into peace.
“This will slam back on Brazil, on India, and on China in a massive way,” Rutte said.
India Responds: No Double Standards, Please
India didn’t stay silent. The Ministry of External Affairs reminded the world that India’s priority is energy security for its people.
In a calm but firm reply, the Ministry said:
“We are guided by what is on offer in the markets and global conditions. We would caution against any double standards.”
India has consistently defended its right to buy oil wherever it gets the best price, especially when Western countries themselves trade indirectly with Russia.
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