Washington( The COW News Digital)NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a strong warning to Brazil, China, and India, stating they could face severe secondary sanctions if they continue trade relations with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Speaking during a meeting with U.S. senators at Capitol Hill, Rutte emphasized that the economic consequences for these nations could be “significant and damaging” if they ignore the West’s position on isolating Moscow. His comments came on the same day that U.S. President Donald Trump announced a fresh military aid package for Ukraine and hinted at a 100% tariff on nations importing Russian goods if no peace agreement is reached within the next 50 days.
“I urge leaders in Brasília, Beijing, and New Delhi to take this message seriously. Continued trade with Russia may bring short-term economic benefits but will result in long-term strategic loss,” Rutte warned.
He added, “Someone needs to call President Vladimir Putin and tell him to engage seriously in peace talks. Otherwise, the consequences will fall back heavily on those enabling his regime economically.”
Rutte revealed that under the latest transatlantic agreement, the U.S. will begin supplying Ukraine with advanced weapons, including air defense systems, long-range missiles, and artillery. These systems, however, will be funded by European partners to avoid overburdening American taxpayers.
When asked whether offensive weapons would also be included, the NATO chief confirmed, “Yes, both defensive and offensive capabilities will be part of the new aid. The details are being finalized between the U.S. Department of Defense, European command, and Ukrainian military leadership.”
Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who attended the briefing, supported the new U.S. approach but raised concerns over the 50-day timeline. “Delaying decisive action could allow Putin to strengthen his frontlines,” he said. “We must ensure that no territorial gains made by Russia in this period are legitimized.”
As diplomatic tensions mount, Rutte concluded by reaffirming that Europe would provide Ukraine with the financial resources necessary to enter peace negotiations from a position of strength.
This development signals a firm geopolitical shift as NATO seeks to tighten the noose around Russia—not just directly but also by targeting its key global trade partners.
