The White House, through Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, announced that former US President Donald Trump implemented higher tariffs on India as a means of pressuring Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The total tariff on India was increased to 50 percent. Levitt explained that these tariffs were intended to exert indirect pressure on Russia. She stated that Trump has publicly emphasized his desire to end the war and has taken actions, including sanctions on India. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and expressed interest in a meeting with Putin. Levitt stated that Trump wishes to bring peace as soon as possible and has been working to make this happen. She emphasized the positive reception from European leaders. The White House claimed that Trump believes the war would not have started if he had remained in office, a sentiment reportedly echoed by Putin. Discussions are underway to ensure security guarantees beyond Trump’s presidency.
