Trump threatens to use tariff powers under Russia sanctions law targeting India, China; Zelensky agrees

In the days following the signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law, US President Donald Trump threatened to utilize the tariff powers granted under the legislation to compel an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The legislation empowers President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil, specifically targeting India and China.

During a speech at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Trump reiterated his commitment to resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, stating, "Last week, in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, I signed a powerful new law passed by Congress providing me with enormous new tariff authorities - and if necessary, I will use them."

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump referred to the legislation as a "very severe bill." Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Trump for his support, emphasizing the urgency of ending the conflict before the onset of winter. Earlier, Zelenskyy had indicated his hope that Trump would invoke the act if Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to de-escalate the situation.

Following a 40-minute meeting at UN headquarters in New York, Zelenskyy highlighted that the discussions centered on efforts to bring an end to the war with Russia. He also indicated his willingness to participate in a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin, expressing readiness for any format of an energy ceasefire with Moscow. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reiterated his openness to a trilateral meeting, signifying his willingness to facilitate an end to the war.