NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte issued a stark warning on Wednesday to Brazil, China, and India, cautioning that they could face severe secondary sanctions if they continue their commercial relationships with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with U.S. senators on Capitol Hill—just a day after President Donald Trump announced a new arms package for Ukraine and signaled 100% secondary tariffs on Russian trade partners—Rutte urged these global powers to reconsider their positions.
“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 these nations to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into serious peace negotiations, warning of massive economic consequences otherwise.
“Make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks, because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India, and on China in a massive way,” he added.
Concerns Over 50-Day Peace Deadline
Trump had earlier announced a 50-day window for Russia to engage in peace talks before the U.S. imposes secondary sanctions—a timeline that some U.S. lawmakers fear could give Putin strategic leverage.
“He could use those 50 days to gain territory or murder more civilians before negotiating from a position of strength,” said Senator Thom Tillis, who otherwise supported Trump’s move.
Tillis suggested that any territorial gains by Russia during this period should not be recognized under any peace deal.
Europe to Shoulder Weapon Costs
Rutte emphasized Europe’s financial commitment to Ukraine’s war effort, stating that Europe will fund a significant portion of the new weapons sent by the U.S. under the new agreement with Trump.
“The U.S. will now massively supply Ukraine—not just air defense, but also missiles and ammunition—paid for by Europeans,” Rutte confirmed.
When asked if long-range offensive weapons were part of the aid package, Rutte said:
“It is both defensive and offensive. All kinds of weapons are being considered, though details are still being worked out by the Pentagon and NATO military leaders in coordination with Ukrainian forces.”
This coordinated move marks a dramatic escalation in pressure on Russia and its economic allies, signaling a more aggressive strategy to break the deadlock in the conflict—now stretching into its fourth year.
