“Trade With Russia… and Face Tough Economic Action,” President Trump Warns All Countries

New York (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has once again issued a strong warning to countries that continue to trade with Russia. He said that any nation maintaining economic relations with Moscow will face severe sanctions. This warning comes after new restrictions were imposed on Russia’s major oil companies—Lukoil and the state-owned Rosneft.

On Sunday, Trump expanded the sanctions and hinted that Iran could soon be added to the blacklist. Speaking to the media at Palm Beach International Airport, he said that Republican lawmakers are preparing laws that would allow strict economic action against any country conducting business with Russia.

Trump stated that countries trading with Russia will have to face harsh penalties. Reports suggest that the proposed law could introduce secondary sanctions—not only on restricted companies but also on the nations doing business with them. Concerns are growing that Iran may soon come under US scrutiny as well.

The Trump administration has taken tough measures earlier too against nations involved in trade with Russia. With tensions rising over the Ukraine conflict, the US has been increasing pressure on Moscow. Meanwhile, President Putin has said that no sovereign nation makes decisions under pressure and warned that sanctions could push global oil prices higher.

Notably, the US had earlier imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on India. In August, Trump accused India of supporting Russia’s economy by purchasing Russian oil and weapons, after which the tariff was increased to 50%, effective from 27 August. According to the US Treasury, this step was taken because Russia was allegedly not showing seriousness in peace negotiations.