A U.S. official has revealed that the United States is prepared to implement broader tariffs targeting entities purchasing Russian oil, provided the European Union takes similar action. The aim is to diminish the revenue that Moscow requires to fund its war in Ukraine.

During discussions between U.S. and EU officials on Tuesday, President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of imposing tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on oil buyers, including China and India, according to the official. This individual was not authorized to discuss the specifics of the discussion publicly. These talks occurred alongside a visit from EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan, who is leading the EU's global effort to prevent the evasion of sanctions against Moscow, to Washington for meetings held on Monday and Tuesday. Ukraine's prime minister also participated in Tuesday's discussions.

According to the U.S. official, the primary source of funding for Russia's war efforts is oil purchases made by China and India. The official stressed that without addressing this financial lifeline, it would be impossible to halt the war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, along with representatives from the U.S. Trade Representative's office and State Department, also participated in the discussions.

While President Trump is reportedly prepared to take action, the U.S. official emphasized the necessity of the EU's cooperation. Besides tariffs, which Trump favors, discussions also touched on the matter of immobilized Russian sovereign assets. On Sunday, Trump threatened to impose additional sanctions on Russia following the Kremlin's intensified aerial attacks on Ukraine. He has also expressed his intention to penalize countries that purchase Russian oil, seeking to cut off a crucial revenue stream for President Vladimir Putin's war efforts. However, to date, only India has been subjected to secondary sanctions.

The U.S. official conveyed the urgency of the situation, stating the desire to expedite the resolution of the war and strongly encouraging European allies to take swift action. The EU is reportedly preparing a new package of sanctions.

In related news, it was reported that President Trump has been urging the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on China and India as a strategy to exert pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.