Daijiworld Media Network - New York
New York, Sept 8: US President Donald Trump has signaled a possible escalation in sanctions against Russia, warning of further action as Moscow continues its military aggression in Ukraine. However, Trump offered no concrete details about what new measures might be on the table.
Responding to a reporter's question in Washington on Sunday about whether he was ready to launch a second phase of sanctions, Trump replied curtly: “Yeah, I am.” He did not elaborate further.
The brief comment comes amid growing frustration in Washington over the lack of progress in ending the war, despite a high-profile summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin more than three weeks ago. While Trump had expressed optimism following the meeting, no breakthrough has occurred—particularly no face-to-face talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In fact, Russia has intensified its attacks.
Sanctions Spotlight: India and China
Trump's administration has already targeted India with a 25% punitive tariff over its continued purchase of Russian oil. China, however, has so far avoided similar penalties, despite also importing Russian energy. When questioned about China's role last month, Trump cryptically said, “I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks.” No follow-up action has yet been announced.
Meanwhile, pressure is building inside the White House for a coordinated response. Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, said the administration is actively discussing the scope and timing of further sanctions. “It’s a very disappointing set of affairs,” he told CBS News, referencing Russia’s renewed aggression.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent floated the idea of imposing secondary sanctions on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil—a move that would target not only India and China but potentially European Union (EU) members as well.
However, Bessent’s comments revealed the complexity of such a move. The EU itself continues to buy gas directly from Russia and indirectly through products refined in India from Russian crude. That raises the awkward question of how the EU could penalize India without confronting its own energy dependencies.
“We’re Ready – But So Must Europe”
“We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia, but we need our European partners to follow us,” Bessent told NBC, underscoring the need for a unified Western front. “If the US and the EU can do more—impose secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil—the Russian economy will collapse, and that will bring President Putin to the negotiating table.”
Zelensky Slams EU Double Standards, Supports Sanctions on India
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking to ABC News, echoed frustrations over what he sees as hypocrisy in the EU's stance.
“They (some Europeans) continue to buy oil and Russian gas. And this is not fair,” Zelensky said. He also backed Trump's decision to sanction India, calling it “the right idea” and defending the logic behind targeting countries that continue to engage in energy trade with Moscow.
When asked whether the move to sanction India and China had backfired—especially in light of Trump's recent Truth Social post lamenting that “we've lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China”—Zelensky dismissed the concern.
“No,” he replied. “I think the idea to put tariffs on the countries who continue [to] make deals with Russia—I think this is right idea.”
As the war drags on and the diplomatic impasse deepens, the pressure is on Washington to decide whether harsher economic tactics can finally push Russia—and its trading partners—toward a negotiated end to the conflict.