President Donald Trump has reportedly called on the European Union to impose tariffs as high as 100% on goods from China and India in an effort to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump believes that these tariffs would target two of Russia's largest oil purchasers, which have been crucial in maintaining Moscow's economy since the escalation of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

According to a U.S. official and an EU diplomat, Trump made this request during a conference call with EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan and other European officials who were in Washington for discussions on sanctions coordination. The U.S. is reportedly ready to match Europe's tariffs on India and China. One U.S. official stated that Trump wants "dramatic tariffs" that would remain in place until China ceases purchasing Russian oil.

The EU has so far favored isolating Russia through sanctions, rather than tariffs. The EU is preparing a new round of sanctions on Russia, which would be the 19th since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The proposal for tariffs on China and India comes as the U.S. government seeks to limit Russia's revenue streams that support its military operations. Trump has also threatened to penalize countries that buy Russian oil, aiming to cut off a key revenue source for Vladimir Putin.

Trump had previously announced tariff increases on Indian imports in July, initially setting them at 25% and later doubling them to 50%, citing India's oil trade with Russia. The U.S. currently has tariffs of 30% on Chinese imports.

The request for tariffs on China and India is reportedly a pressure tactic on Putin, and it follows Trump's previous ultimatum to Russia, giving them 50 days to agree to a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

In related news, Trump mentioned that he anticipates speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon and is optimistic about reaching a trade agreement.