“This Will Hit You Hard!” – NATO Chief Warns India, China & Brazil of Secondary Sanctions Over Russia Ties

NATO’s new Secretary-General Mark Rutte has issued a stern warning to India, China, and Brazil over their growing business with Russia, saying these nations could soon face secondary sanctions if they don’t step up efforts to push Moscow towards peace in Ukraine.

Rutte’s sharp remarks came during his meetings with US senators in Washington on Wednesday, where he emphasized that global powers outside the West must play a more active role in ending the war.

NATO Chief’s Direct Message: “Pick Up the Phone to Putin”

Speaking to reporters after his US visit, Rutte did not mince words. He specifically called on Beijing, New Delhi, and Brasilia to use their leverage with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“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 said.

He urged leaders to call Putin directly and tell him to take peace negotiations seriously. Otherwise, he warned, the consequences of new Western sanctions would “slam back” on their economies in a massive way.

Trump’s New Tariff Threat: 100% Secondary Duties on Russia Buyers

Rutte’s comments came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a new military aid package for Ukraine along with a warning for countries buying Russian exports.

Trump has threatened “biting” secondary tariffs of up to 100% on nations continuing trade with Moscow—unless a peace agreement is reached within 50 days.

The US President made it clear that global trade partners must choose between doing business with America or with Russia.

Indonesia Gets Relief – Energy, Aircraft Deal Signed

Interestingly, Trump also revealed a new trade deal with Indonesia. As part of the agreement, Jakarta will benefit from a reduced 19% tariff rate while committing to:

• Purchase $15 billion worth of US energy, and

• Acquire 50 Boeing aircraft.

This deal, Trump hinted, could serve as a model for India and other major economies if they align more closely with Washington’s policies.

“Europe Will Pay for the Weapons” – Rutte’s Assurance

Beyond sanctions and tariffs, Rutte stressed that Europe is ready to step up financial support for Ukraine.

He said Europe would provide the necessary funds to ensure Ukraine enters peace negotiations from a position of strength. Under the arrangement with the US, Washington will “massively” increase arms deliveries to Ukraine—including not only air defense systems but also missiles and ammunition—with the bills covered by European allies.

Are Long-Range Missiles on the Table?

When asked whether Ukraine would receive long-range missile systems, Rutte offered a cautious but telling reply:

“It is both defensive and offensive. So there are all kinds of weapons, but we have not discussed details yesterday with the president. This is really being worked through now by the Pentagon, by the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, together with the Ukrainians.”

This indicates that advanced weaponry, possibly including long-range strike capabilities, remains under active discussion.

Why India, China, and Brazil Are in the Spotlight

Rutte’s unusually direct naming of India, China, and Brazil highlights the West’s growing frustration with countries seen as “sitting on the fence” in the Ukraine conflict.

• India has increased purchases of discounted Russian crude oil since the war began, citing national interest and energy security.

• China continues to maintain strong trade and diplomatic ties with Moscow, despite international pressure.

• Brazil, under President Lula da Silva, has advocated peace talks but resisted aligning with NATO’s hardline stance.

By warning these nations of “secondary sanctions,” Rutte is effectively telling them that neutrality may no longer be an option.

What Secondary Sanctions Could Mean

If imposed, secondary sanctions would not just target Russia but also punish third countries dealing with Russian exports. This could mean:

• Tariffs up to 100% on goods imported into the US from India, China, or Brazil if linked to Russian trade.

• Financial restrictions on companies that facilitate Russian oil, gas, or defense purchases.

• Possible blacklisting of banks and shipping firms tied to Moscow.

For India, in particular, such measures could disrupt its energy imports, trade ties, and ongoing defense contracts with Russia.

A Growing East-West Divide

The Ukraine war has already deepened the geopolitical divide between Western nations and emerging powers. While NATO and the US push for maximum pressure on Moscow, countries like India and China argue for “strategic autonomy” and resist taking sides.

Rutte’s remarks signal that NATO, under his leadership, will tighten the screws on neutral players, forcing them to make a choice between Russia and the West.

What’s Next in the Ukraine Peace Push

With Trump setting a 50-day deadline for a peace deal, the coming weeks could see:

• Intense diplomatic outreach to India, China, and Brazil.

• Expanded military aid to Kyiv from the US and Europe.

• Potential trade wars if secondary sanctions kick in.

Whether these moves succeed in pressuring Putin—or push neutral countries further away from the West—remains to be seen.

Bottom Line

Mark Rutte’s message was crystal clear: India, China, and Brazil can no longer watch from the sidelines. With the US threatening massive tariffs and NATO pledging unlimited arms for Ukraine, the global costs of doing business with Russia are rising fast.

The next 50 days could decide not just the future of the Ukraine war but also the shape of international trade alliances for years to come.