Second Wave of Sanctions Could Hit Nations Importing Russian Oil, Says Trump

Trump Signals “Second Phase” of Sanctions on Russia, Potentially Impacting India.

US President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that he is prepared to launch a “second phase” of sanctions against Russia, a move that could affect countries such as India that continue to purchase Russian oil. The statement followed Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine to date, which targeted a key government complex in Kyiv. When asked at the White House about a new round of sanctions, Trump replied simply: “Yeah, I am,” offering no further details.

Mounting Pressure on Russia and Its Trade Partners

The comments underscore rising frustration in Washington as the conflict drags on. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told NBC that the US, together with the European Union, could impose secondary tariffs on nations importing Russian oil. According to Bessent, only a collapse of Russia’s economy would force President Vladimir Putin to negotiate.

Last month, the US imposed a 25% punitive tariff on Indian exports, raising the overall duty to 50%. Trump has repeatedly criticised India for “fuelling the Russian war machine,” defending the measures as necessary. New Delhi maintains that its purchases of Russian crude are driven by national energy security, and has labelled the US tariffs as unfair.

The renewed focus on penalising countries trading with Russia comes despite a recent online exchange between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which suggested a possible thaw in bilateral ties.

Escalation in the Russia-Ukraine War

The conflict escalated sharply on Sunday, with Russia launching its largest aerial attack since the war began. Ukraine reported 810 drones and decoys struck its territory, with its air force claiming to have shot down 747 drones and four missiles. The strikes killed four people and damaged a key government building in Kyiv.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to meet Putin to negotiate peace, while urging Trump to impose stringent sanctions to pressure Russia into ending the war.