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CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
Zelenskiy says Russia appears more open to ceasefire, but warns against deception
KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday (August 6) that Russia appeared "more inclined" to agree to a ceasefire, but cautioned that the details of any potential deal would be crucial and that neither Ukraine nor the United States should be misled by Moscow. His remarks followed a meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, which US President Donald Trump described as having delivered 'great progress' – though he offered no specifics. CALL FOR LASTING PEACE "Ukraine will definitely defend its independence. We all need a lasting and reliable peace. Russia must end the war that it itself started," Zelenskiy said in a post on X following a phone call with Trump that included European allies. Trump, who has shown increasing frustration with Putin in recent weeks, has given the Russian president until Friday to advance toward peace or face tougher sanctions. A White House official confirmed that the secondary sanctions Trump had previously warned of – targeting countries that continue doing business with Russia – were still scheduled to take effect on Friday. TARIFFS ON INDIA ADD TO PRESSURE Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday (August 6) imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over its purchases of Russian oil. The move is widely seen as part of a broader strategy to pressure Moscow by targeting its trade partners. 'The pressure on (Russia) works. But the main thing is that they do not deceive us in the details – neither us nor the US,' Zelenskiy said. While Ukraine has consistently called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, Russia, which controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, has rejected the proposal and continues to push forward on the eastern front.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Trump hails progress in Russia talks, White House says secondary sanctions still planned
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin talk during the family photo session at the APEC Summit in Danang, Vietnam November 11, 2017. REUTERS/Jorge Silva/File Photo WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said his special envoy Steve Witkoff had made "great progress" in his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Washington continued its preparations to impose secondary sanctions on Friday. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said he had briefed some European allies about Witkoff's meeting with Putin, which was focused on ending the 3-1/2-year war that began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come," Trump added, without providing further details. A White House official said earlier that the meeting had gone well, and Moscow was eager to continue engaging with the United States. The official said secondary sanctions that Trump has threatened against countries doing business with Russia were still expected to be implemented on Friday. No details were provided. Witkoff met Putin for around three hours on a last-minute mission to seek a breakthrough in the war. Trump has threatened sanctions on Moscow and secondary sanctions on countries that buy its oil if no moves are made to end the war in Ukraine. Trump took a key step in that direction on Wednesday when he imposed an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, citing New Delhi's continued imports of Russian oil. No similar order was signed for China, which also imports Russian oil. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore MRT track issue causes 5-hour delay; Jeffrey Siow says 'we can and will do better' Singapore ST Explains: What is a track point fault and why does it cause lengthy train disruptions? Singapore Three people taken to hospital after fire in Punggol executive condominium Singapore Elderly man found dead in SingPost Centre stairwell could have been in confused state: Coroner Singapore 81 primary schools to hold ballot for Phase 2C of Primary 1 registration Singapore S'pore and Indonesia have discussed jointly developing military training facilities: Chan Chun Sing Singapore Two workers died after being hit by flying gas cylinders in separate incidents in 2025 Sport Young Lions and distance runner Soh Rui Yong left out of SEA Games contingent The new measure raises tariffs on some Indian goods to as high as 50% — among the steepest faced by any U.S. trading partner. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week warned Chinese officials that continued purchases of sanctioned Russian oil would lead to big tariffs due to legislation in Congress. The U.S. and China have been engaged in discussions about trade and tariffs, with an eye to extending a 90-day tariff truce that is due to expire on August 12, when their bilateral tariffs shoot back up to triple-digit figures. REUTERS
Business Times
4 hours ago
- Business Times
Trump imposes additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, relations hit new low
[WASHINGTON] US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Aug 6) issued an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods citing New Delhi's continued imports of Russian oil, sharply escalating tensions between the two countries after trade talks collapsed. The new measure raises tariffs on some Indian goods to as high as 50 per cent – among the steepest faced by any US trading partner. The move is expected to hit key Indian export sectors including textiles, footwear, and gems and jewellery and marks the most serious downturn in US-India relations since Trump returned to office in January. It also comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first visit to China in over seven years, suggesting a potential realignment in alliances as ties with Washington fray. 'India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,' India's external affairs ministry said in a statement, saying it was 'extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest.' It said India's imports were based on market factors and aimed at energy security for its population of 1.4 billion. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Trade analysts warned the tariffs could severely disrupt Indian exports. The additional 25 per cent tariff comes into effect 21 days after Aug 7, the order said. 'With such obnoxious tariff rates, trade between the two nations would be practically dead,' said Madhavi Arora, economist at Emkay Global. Indian officials have privately acknowledged growing pressure to return to the negotiating table. A potential compromise could involve a phased reduction in Russian oil imports and diversification of energy sources. A senior Indian official said New Delhi was blindsided by the sudden imposition of the new levy and the steep rate, as both countries continue to discuss trade issues. Trump's decision follows five rounds of inconclusive trade negotiations, which stalled over US demands for greater access to Indian agriculture and dairy markets. India's refusal to curb Russian oil purchases – which surged to a record US$52 billion last year – ultimately triggered the tariff escalation. 'Exports to the US become unviable at this rate. Clearly, risks to growth and exports are rising, and the rupee may face renewed pressure,' said Garima Kapoor, economist at Elara Securities. 'Calls for fiscal support are likely to intensify.' Trump's executive order does not mention China, which also buys Russian oil. A White House official had no immediate comment on whether an additional order covering those purchases would be forthcoming. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said he warned Chinese officials that continued purchases of sanctioned Russian oil would lead to big tariffs due to legislation in Congress, but was told that Beijing would protect its energy sovereignty. The US and China have been engaged in discussions about trade and tariffs, with an eye to extending a 90-day tariff truce that is due to expire on Aug 12, when their bilateral tariffs shoot back up to triple-digit figures. REUTERS
