US Senator Lindsey Graham Warns India, China, Brazil: Stop Buying Russian Oil or Face Economic Consequences

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has warned that India, China, and Brazil could face severe consequences if they keep buying oil from Russia. He said that former President Donald Trump would impose a 100% tariff on these countries if they continue their trade relationship with Moscow amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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Graham Says Cheap Russian Oil Funds Putin's War

In an interview with Fox News, Graham stressed that these three countries—India, China, and Brazil—purchase around 80% of Russia’s cheap oil. He claimed that this income is crucial for Russian President Vladimir Putin to keep his war machine running.

“We Will Crush Your Economy,” Says Lindsey Graham

The Senator issued a direct threat, saying if these nations don’t stop purchasing oil from Russia, the U.S. would retaliate economically. “We are going to tear the hell out of you and crush your economy. What you are doing is blood money,” Graham declared.

A Choice Between the US and Russia, Warns Graham

Graham further said that while Putin can handle sanctions and ignore military losses, nations like India, China, and Brazil now face a major decision: support Putin or maintain their relationship with the American economy.

Trump Threatens Secondary Tariffs on Pro-Russian Trade

This warning aligns with a recent statement by Donald Trump, who threatened to implement a 100% secondary tariff on countries that continue trading with Russia if a peace deal isn’t reached within 50 days. This reflects growing American frustration over nations that help keep Russia’s economy alive during the war.

War in Ukraine Intensifies Global Tensions

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked one of Europe’s deadliest conflicts since World War II. In response, the U.S. and European allies imposed sanctions to pressure Russia into ending the war. But trade from countries like India and China has reduced the intended impact of these restrictions.

India and China Increase Oil Imports from Russia

Since 2022, India and China have boosted their purchases of cheaper Russian fuel. This has sparked concern in Washington, as such trade indirectly supports Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine and undermines Western sanctions.

NATO Chief Also Hints at Possible Sanctions

On July 16, NATO’s newly appointed Secretary-General Mark Rutte echoed similar concerns. He said that secondary sanctions could target India, China, and Brazil if they continue to do business with Russia. NATO, a military alliance of 32 nations including the U.S., is closely watching these developments.

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