White House: Trump Used Tariffs on India to Pressure Russia, End Ukraine War

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that former US President Donald Trump increased tariffs on India to compel Russia to withdraw from the Ukraine conflict. Trump added a 25 percent duty on top of the existing 25 percent tariff, bringing the total to 50 percent. Levitt clarified that these sanctions aimed to indirectly pressure Russia. She emphasized Trump’s strong desire to end the war and his disapproval of suggestions to delay meetings. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, signaling openness to a trilateral meeting with Putin. Levitt highlighted Trump’s efforts to bring peace, citing European leaders’ positive reaction to his initiatives. The White House asserted that, under Trump’s leadership, the war might have been averted, a claim supported by statements from Putin. Levitt also addressed plans to ensure security guarantees beyond Trump’s presidency, indicating ongoing discussions with European leaders and NATO to achieve lasting peace.