NATO Warns India, China, Brazil to Rethink Russia Trade or Face Sanctions

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a sharp warning to countries like India, China, and Brazil, saying they could face serious consequences if they continue to maintain close business ties with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with US lawmakers on Wednesday, Rutte said these nations could be hit “very hard” by secondary sanctions unless they help push for a peace deal. The remarks come just a day after US President Donald Trump unveiled a fresh round of weapon support for Ukraine and threatened heavy tariffs, up to 100%, on nations purchasing Russian goods, unless a ceasefire is reached within 50 days.

“My encouragement to these three countries, particularly is, if you live now in Beijing, or in Delhi, or you are the president of Brazil, you might want to take a look into this, because this might hit you very hard,” Rutte told reporters, who met with Trump on Monday and agreed the new steps.

“So please make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks, because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India and on China in a massive way,” Rutte added.

The statement underscores growing pressure on major economies that have maintained strategic or trade partnerships with Moscow even as Western nations tighten sanctions against the Kremlin.

Meanwhile, Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who met Rutte during his visit, expressed concern over the 50-day deadline given by Trump. He warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin might use the time to strengthen his military hold, gain more territory, and try to tilt future negotiations in his favour.

“We should make it clear that any land gained during these 50 days is not negotiable,” Tillis said. “Putin can’t be allowed to turn this window into an advantage.”

Despite these concerns, Rutte affirmed that Europe would step up to fund Ukraine’s military efforts and strengthen its position ahead of any peace talks. Under the latest understanding with Trump, the United States will start sending large amounts of weapons to Ukraine, not just air defense systems, but also missiles and ammunition, with the cost covered by European allies.

While Rutte didn’t confirm whether long-range missiles were part of the new aid, he noted that both defensive and offensive weapons were on the table. “We didn’t go into details with the president, but the Pentagon and the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe are now coordinating directly with Ukraine on this,” he said.

Also Read: Trump Warns Russia of Tariffs Unless Ukraine War Ends in 50 Days