"We’ll crush your economy": US senator warns India, China and Brazil over Russian oil imports

In a significant escalation of rhetoric surrounding the global fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war, US Senator Lindsey Graham has openly warned that the United States—if led once again by Donald Trump—plans to impose severe economic penalties on countries continuing to purchase oil from Russia.

Speaking in a recent interview on Fox News, Graham targeted India, China, and Brazil by name, saying their ongoing imports of Russian crude are directly aiding the Kremlin’s war efforts.

Trump’s proposed 100 per cent tariff on oil imports

According to Senator Graham, a key element of Donald Trump’s foreign policy agenda in a potential second presidential term is the implementation of a 100 per cent tariff on oil-related imports from India, China, and Brazil. Graham stated, “Trump is going to impose tariffs on people that buy Russian oil – China, India, and Brazil.”

He argued that these moves are designed specifically to cut off a major source of revenue for Russian President Vladimir Putin and disrupt his ability to fund the war in Ukraine.

“These three countries account for around 80 per cent of Russia’s crude exports, which is helping to fund the war in Ukraine,” Graham explained. The senator underlined that the tariffs, if enacted, would serve as both an economic lever and a strong political signal to the global community about where the US stands on Russia’s continued military aggression.

Direct message to Putin and the world

Graham did not mince words when addressing Putin directly, warning, “You have played President Trump at your own peril. You made a major league mistake, and your economy is going to continue to be crushed.”

He further highlighted the US policy of arming Ukraine: “We’re flowing weapons to Ukraine, so Ukraine will have the weapons to fight Putin back.” Graham openly accused Putin of trying to “recreate the former Soviet Union by invading countries that do not belong to him,” referencing Russia’s violation of the Budapest Memorandum, in which Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances.

“He’s not going to stop until somebody makes him stop,” Graham insisted, criticizing the global community’s response to Russia’s actions thus far.

We’ll crush your economy

Graham’s warnings were not confined to Russia alone. He sent a clear and direct message to the leadership in India, China, and Brazil: “If you keep buying cheap Russian oil to allow this war to continue, we’re going to tear the hell out of you and we’re going to crush your economy, because what you’re doing is blood money.” Graham characterized these purchases as actions that prolong the conflict and undermine global security for economic gain.

American markets or Russian oil

The senator argued that while Russia may be resilient in the face of sanctions, nations such as India, China, and Brazil—heavily reliant on trade with the United States—cannot afford to ignore Washington’s economic might. “China, India, and Brazil—they’re about to face a choice between the American economy or helping Putin. And I think they’re going to come pick the American economy,” Graham predicted.

Graham compared Trump’s forceful approach in international politics to that of a dominant athlete, remarking, “Donald Trump is the Scotty Scheffler of American politics and foreign diplomacy, and he’s about to put a whooping on your ass.” He emphasized the intention of the US to make economic consequences unavoidable for countries perceived as abetting Russian military aggression.

The global stakes

Graham’s comments come amid ongoing debate over the effectiveness of past sanctions against Russia, and new US threats are likely aimed at forcing a realignment of global oil markets and international diplomacy.

The message to Russia’s largest customers is unequivocal: continued purchases of Russian oil could risk their own economies and future access to American markets. Whether these threats will force a shift in policy from India, China, and Brazil remains to be seen, but the prospect of a 100% tariff signals a potentially turbulent period in international trade and geopolitics.