US Senators Issue Stark Warning Over Russian Oil Purchases

US Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a stark warning to countries like India, China, and Brazil, all members of BRICS, threatening them with sharp economic sanctions if they continue to purchase cheap Russian oil. Speaking on Fox News, Graham emphasized the need for tougher actions to cut off Russia's revenue streams amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

"I would tell China, India & Brazil. If you keep buying cheap Russian oil, to allow this war to continue, we will tariff the hell out of you," Graham stated, highlighting the severity of the situation. He added, "And we’re going to crush your economy, because what you are doing is blood money."

Escalating Rhetoric Against Russia's Financial Supporters

The comments from Graham come at a time when the US is increasing its rhetoric against countries perceived as financially supporting Russia during its conflict with Ukraine. This aligns with broader Republican efforts to economically isolate Moscow, with former President Donald Trump also threatening to impose 100% "secondary tariffs" on nations that continue to buy Russian oil and gas unless a peace deal is reached within the next 50 days.

Trump, expressing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, remarked, "My conversations with him are very pleasant, and then the missiles go off at night." He stressed that the tariffs are not the end goal but a means to bring Putin to the negotiating table.

Legislative Actions and International Reactions

US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have introduced a bill proposing tough sanctions on Russia, including tariffs as high as 500% on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy exports. "The ultimate hammer to bring about the end of this war will be tariffs against countries, like China, India and Brazil, that prop up Putin's war machine by purchasing cheap Russian oil and gas," the Senators argued in a joint statement.

India, a significant buyer of Russian oil since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, has defended its stance, citing energy security and economic stability. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has already been in discussions with Senator Graham regarding the proposed legislation.