President Donald Trump is attempting an economic ‘checkmate’ in the Ukraine conflict, proposing a high-stakes move against Vladimir Putin’s most important allies. The plan calls for the US and EU to jointly impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and China, a strategy designed to leave Russia economically isolated and unable to continue the war.
This bold gambit was laid out for visiting EU officials and is born from Trump’s frustration with the diplomatic stalemate. The administration has made it clear that it is “ready to go” but will only make the move if its European partners join them, effectively making this a test of Western resolve.
The strategy aims to counter the powerful economic and political bloc that Putin has been forming with Beijing and New Delhi. The US has already made a preliminary move, imposing a 50% tariff on India. This new plan would be a far more decisive and potentially game-changing action.
However, this attempt at checkmate could be countered by the US Supreme Court. A crucial ruling on the president’s tariff authority is expected soon, and a loss would not only be a major legal defeat but would also have dire financial consequences, forcing the treasury to issue billions in refunds.