US President Donald Trump has asserted that the 50% tariffs imposed on India over its import of Russian oil have significantly damaged Russia’s economy, calling it a “big blow” to Moscow. Speaking from the White House, Trump linked his tough tariff policies with both economic leverage and geopolitical impact, claiming Russia is now facing severe financial disruptions due to global sanctions and American trade decisions.

He stated, “Russia’s economy is not doing well right now because it’s been very well disturbed by this,” referring to the layered tariffs. Trump emphasized that asking one of Russia’s largest oil buyers—India—to pay a 50% tariff on Russian oil sends a powerful message and impacts Moscow directly.

Trump further boasted, “No one else would have been so tough,” and defended his broader strategy of using tariffs as both economic tools and diplomatic leverage. He also reiterated his past claims of having helped “solve” five wars during his presidency, including the India-Pakistan conflict and the decades-long war between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“Tariffs give us not only money, but power over enemies,” Trump said. He pointed out that the 25% reciprocal tariff on India and the additional 25% tariff on its Russian oil purchases effectively functioned as economic pressure on both New Delhi and Moscow.

When asked about the future of US-Russia trade relations, Trump expressed cautious optimism, saying, “If Vladimir Putin would go toward business instead of toward war, normal relations could be possible.” He added that Russia has great potential but is mired in its war-driven mindset, recalling how they defeated Hitler with relentless fighting spirit.

On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump hinted at a possible diplomatic breakthrough, stating, “We’re going to have a meeting with Vladimir Putin. And probably in the first two minutes, I’ll know if a deal is possible.”

The comments follow Trump’s earlier controversial statement where he described both India and Russia as “dead economies”, sparking criticism from global observers.