Russia Sanctions Pull India Into War Zone

Donald Trump has been forced to change gear on Ukraine.

- GURBIR SINGH

After berating President Zelinsky in the Oval Office on February 28 for not giving into Russia's demands, the US President's soft approach with Vladimir Putin has fallen apart. "My conversations with him are always pleasant, and then the missiles go off at night," admitted a despondent Trump during a recent joint briefing along with NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte.

So now the tough approach! More Patriot missiles for Ukraine, and 50 days for Russia to work out a deal to end the war or face a fresh round of withering sanctions. In this round, the Ukraine war may reach India's shores.

Donald Trump has done all the sanctioning he can since February 2022 when Russia first invaded Ukraine. Direct sanctions against Russia won't work. So, Trump's opted for the next best thing in his tool kit: secondary sanctions. Those countries continuing to trade with Russia will be slapped with a 100 percent tariff.

High trade volume The immediate target is Russian oil. The country produces 10 percent of the world's crude; and Russia has carried on its brutal campaign against Ukraine thanks to the oil revenue generated through discounted sales to China, India, Brazil, and Turkey. Despite Western sanctions, Russia earned $192 billion from oil sales last year, says the International Energy Agency.