Editorial: US and Europe must show solidarity in pressuring Russia over Ukraine
Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff as a sanction on third countries that continue to trade with Russia. The focus is on countries like China and India, which import Russian crude oil. It was initially announced the sanctions would be invoked if Russian President Vladimir Putin did not agree to a ceasefire within 50 days.
The United States will also bolster its provision of weapons to Ukraine, supplying the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
It is of great significance that Washington has clarified its stance of supporting Ukraine, which has been placed on the back foot.
Up until now, Trump had been so fixated on his campaign promise from last year's presidential election to bring the war to an early end that he even proposed peace plans favorable to Russia. Military support to Ukraine was temporarily halted, allowing Russia to expand its occupied territories.
The latest measure gave a maximum 50-day "grace period" before the sanctions were to come into effect, raising concerns the Putin administration could use this to buy time. Trump announced July 28 he would give Putin 10-12 days, shortening the deadline.
In Ukraine, the ground dries in summer, making it easier for the Russian military to move troops amid its offensive in the country, and it is feared the occupied territories could increase further.
While the direction of tightening sanctions against Russia is appropriate, questions remain as to the method of imposing sanctions on third countries. If the sanctions are actually implemented, it could reduce the supply of crude oil to the market, leading to price surges that could have an enormous impact on the global economy. China has opposed the U.S. move, saying that problems cannot be solved through coercion and pressure.
The U.S. has a history of making concessions, such as lowering its tariff rate after China introduced measures to counter the reciprocal tariffs announced by Washington. Trump's level of seriousness will continue to be tested. The most important thing is for the Trump administration to maintain pressure on Russia.
There has been strong resistance in the U.S. toward the new provision of Patriot defense systems to Ukraine. In light of this, a system was created where NATO member countries other than the U.S. would bear the costs.
Washington and Europe must be prepared to act on their resolve to cement their solidarity anew and support Ukraine until a ceasefire is achieved.
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