NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a stern warning, stating that countries like Brazil, China, and India could face severe consequences under U.S. secondary sanctions if they continue trading with Russia.
According to media reports, the NATO chief made these remarks on Wednesday.
His comments came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Russia does not agree to halt the war in Ukraine within 50 days, the United States would impose 100% tariffs on Russia’s export partners.
Echoing Trump’s warning, the NATO Secretary General said, “I have a special focus on these three countries. Especially if you’re currently in Beijing, New Delhi, or holding the presidency in Brazil, you should think carefully. Because this could have profound consequences for you.”
Mark Rutte further stated, “So please, pick up the phone and call Vladimir Putin and tell him that he must engage seriously in peace negotiations. Otherwise, there will be significant repercussions for Brazil, India, and China.”
Meanwhile, Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis praised Trump’s tough stance against Russia but expressed concern over granting Russia a 50-day window.
He warned, “Putin could use this 50-day timeframe to gain victories on the battlefield, or to carry out more devastating attacks and seize new Ukrainian territories, thereby strengthening his negotiating position in any future peace deal.”
Tillis further added, “Therefore, we must closely monitor the current situation in Ukraine and make it unequivocally clear to Russia that whatever Moscow manages to achieve in Ukraine over the next 50 days will have no place at the negotiating table.”
Following a meeting with senators in the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told reporters, “Europe is working together to ensure that Ukraine is in a strong position in any peace negotiations.”
He added, “Under the agreement with President Trump, the United States is now providing Ukraine with substantial military support. This includes not only air defense systems but also missiles and European ammunition supplies.”
When asked whether there are discussions about supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, Rutte replied, “This applies to both defensive and offensive capabilities. We have not yet held detailed discussions with the President. The matter is currently being implemented through the Pentagon, Europe’s top allied command, and the participation of the Ukrainians.”
Sources: Reuters, Deutsche Welle.