Trump Gears Up for ‘Phase Two’ Sanctions on Global Russian Oil Trade

International News: On Sunday, US President Donald Trump indicated that he is ready to impose a "second round" of sanctions against Russia. The move could also impact countries that are still buying oil from Russia, including India.

The announcement came soon after Russia's biggest airstrike ever on Ukraine, targeting a key government complex in Kiev.

Trump's statement

Asked at the White House if he was ready to impose new sanctions on Russia or its oil-buying countries, Trump replied briefly: "Yeah, I'm ready." He did not share any details yet. Experts believe the move is a sign of growing frustration in the administration and failure of previous peace efforts.

Proposal of secondary tariffs

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant told NBC that the US and the EU could consider imposing "secondary tariffs" on countries importing oil from Russia. He says that only by suppressing Russia's economy will President Putin be willing to negotiate.

Last month, the US imposed a 25 percent punitive tariff on India's exports, taking the total import duty to 50 percent. Trump has repeatedly accused India of "aiding Russia's war machine" and called the tariffs necessary.

India's stance

India justified its crude oil purchases from Russia on grounds of national energy security and called the US moves unfair. India is a major buyer of Russia's energy exports, while Western countries have reduced purchases due to the war.

Recent online conversations between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had indicated some thaw in relations between the two countries.

Russia-Ukraine war intensifies

Russia carried out massive airstrikes on Ukraine's capital on Sunday. The attack killed four people and damaged an important government building. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia used 810 drones and decoys, while Ukraine shot down 747 drones and four missiles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after the attack that he was ready to hold peace talks with his Russian counterpart, Putin, and urged Trump to put pressure on Russia to end the war by imposing tough sanctions.