More Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers: A Plan to Make Putin Talk
As the war in Ukraine continues, U.S. leaders are using money and trade rules to try to end it. On September 7, 2025, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gave a strong warning: if the U.S. and European Union put more taxes and penalties on countries that buy Russian oil, it could push Russian President Vladimir Putin to start talks.
Increasing Money Pressure
Bessent spoke on NBC’s Meet the Press and said this plan needs the U.S. and Europe to work together closely. He said, "If the U.S. and European Union do more penalties on countries buying Russian oil, Russia’s economy will collapse, and that will force Putin to negotiate." He said this is a race between how long Ukraine can fight and how long Russia’s money lasts.
The U.S. is ready to make the pressure higher but says Europe must also join for it to work well.
Main Targets: India and China
This plan especially wants to punish countries buying Russian oil, not Russia directly. Experts warn that if big buyers like India and China are not included, the penalties may not work well.
According to Frederic Lasserre, a top researcher at the oil trader Gunvor, these extra sanctions could change how oil is sold worldwide by cutting off Russia’s usual buyers.
The Next Stage of Penalties
Former President Trump said he is ready to increase penalties more. He called it the “second phase” of sanctions to isolate Russia and cut its oil money more.
For example, increased taxes on India’s oil imports from Russia are meant to punish India for still buying Russian oil, which the U.S. says helps Russia’s war efforts.
World Reactions and Political Effects
Many important countries don’t like these penalties. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said energy ties with Russia are very important and defended India’s choice of buying Russian oil.
China and other countries outside the West also show they don’t want to give in to the U.S. pressure and are building stronger friendships with Russia.
EU’s Plan and Future Moves
The European Union wants to stop buying Russian oil and gas completely by January 1, 2028. The EU’s Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said the U.S. support would be helpful even though some EU countries worry about energy supply and prices.
A new law is being prepared to do this without needing all EU countries to agree. Some plans include sharing energy needs and buying more energy from the U.S. under trade deals.
Balance Between War Help and Economy
Bessent’s talk shows the key question: how long can Ukraine keep fighting, and how long can Russia stand more money sanctions? This plan’s success depends on the West staying united and giving Ukraine military help and making tough rules to stop Russia from getting money.
Possible Results and Risks
If it works: Cutting Russia’s oil money can weaken its war power and force Putin to start peace talks.
If it doesn’t work: If allies break apart or big buyers like India and China refuse to comply, sanctions may not stop Russia, and the war could continue.
By making countries that buy Russian oil pay higher taxes, U.S. leaders hope to weaken Russia’s economy and push Putin to peace talks. As Bessent said, this is a race between how long Ukraine can fight and how long Russia’s money can last.
In this high-stakes situation, timing, united action, and strong willpower will decide if money pressure will bring peace.
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