Is it possible to impose high tariffs on buyers of Russian oil? When in doubt, look to the UK—which just announced 100 new sanctions against Russia.

Summary: Trump has lost patience with Putin and is pushing the EU and G7 to impose punitive tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil—to cut off Russia’s revenue streams and force an end to the war. However, some experts believe the EU may resist, fearing Chinese countermeasures. Meanwhile, the UK simultaneously announced 100 new sanctions against Russia—including targeting Chinese enterprises—sending a strong signal of support. Reviewing the UK’s history as the first country to aid Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war, many previously deemed “impossible” developments have materialized. The adage “When in doubt, look to the UK” has been repeatedly validated—and Western punitive tariffs on Chinese imports linked to Russian oil must not be taken lightly. I. Trump, having lost patience with Putin, is forging alliances to persuade the EU and G7 to jointly impose punitive tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. As Putin repeatedly escalated aerial attacks on Ukraine, Trump—who had already grown frustrated during his August 15 meeting with Putin in Alaska (cutting the meeting duration by over half and canceling the U.S.-Russia delegation dinner)—has now fully lost patience. After announcing 25% punitive tariffs on Indian exports to the U.S. linked to Russian oil imports at the end of August, Trump pressured the EU on September 9 to impose 50–100% punitive tariffs on goods from countries purchasing Russian oil—aligning with the U.S. Then, on September 12, at the G7 finance ministers’ meeting in Canada, he urged G7 members to similarly impose punitive tariffs on China and India for importing Russian oil, and accelerated discussions on using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense—aiming to pressure Putin into halting the war. Trump’s calculation is that if the EU and G7 jointly impose high tariffs on imports from countries buying Russian oil, this would rapidly sever Russia’s oil revenue channels and sanctions-evasion routes—especially amid Russia’s worsening economic fatigue and sharply declining fiscal income—leaving Putin without funds to wage war and compelling him to return to negotiations and end the conflict swiftly. Russia’s recent move to issue panda bonds in China signals extreme treasury exhaustion. II. Experts suggest the EU or G7 may hesitate to back Trump’s proposal, wary of China’s zero-tolerance stance. Yet many argue Trump’s plan may fail to win European allies’ support—and implementation of punitive tariffs on Russian oil buyers remains unlikely. For instance, Professor “Guoxue Guan Tianxia” (a pseudonym) from Shanghai University of International Business and Economics stated: “If the EU or NATO countries heed Trump’s call, they must also reckon with China’s resolute will and capacity for retaliation. Moreover, China is increasingly taking proactive steps—such as its recent initiation of anti-dumping investigations into imported U.S. analog chips—as a clear warning to the U.S. and its allies: whoever seeks to curb China’s technological advancement must pay the price.” “Guoxue Guan Tianxia” added: “Even Mexico—the perennial ‘punching bag’—has adopted appeasement and compromise in response to U.S. unilateral bullying, yet still plans to raise tariffs on Chinese goods. China has urged Mexico to proceed with utmost caution and deliberate thoroughly before acting—and warned it will take necessary measures to safeguard Chinese interests as circumstances warrant. This underscores China’s zero tolerance toward any unilateralism, protectionism, or discriminatory, exclusionary measures. Though Mexico maintains relatively friendly diplomatic ties with China, Beijing will make no exception for it—let alone for European or NATO countries.”

Breaking news! Is Russia’s reconnection to SWIFT hopeless? A ‘largest-ever’ round of sanctions is reportedly imminent!

With 15 years of hands-on experience in international trade, same name on WeChat Official Account and Zhihu. Following intensified sanctions against Russia by the EU (see: EU Launches New Round of ‘Sanctions Against Russia’) and the U.S. (see: U.S. Announces New Round of Sanctions Against Russia), and marking the third anniversary of the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the UK has suddenly announced it will implement the ‘largest-ever’ sanctions package against Russia in three years—a development that instantly captured global attention. What is Britain really calculating? What impact will these sanctions have? Can the Russia-Ukraine war conclude this year? Will Russia ever be reinstated into SWIFT? Today, let’s delve deeply into this matter. 01 On February 23, 2025, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK would unveil a comprehensive package of major sanctions against Russia on February 24—today—claiming it to be the largest such measure since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, aimed at weakening Russia’s military capabilities. According to AFP, since the conflict erupted in February 2022, the UK has imposed sanctions on 1,900 individuals and entities linked to the Russian government, spanning finance, aviation, defense, and energy sectors—using tools including asset freezes, travel bans, and trade restrictions. This round of sanctions comes amid direct U.S.-Russia engagement following President Trump’s inauguration, and renewed dialogue on the Ukraine crisis—prompting concerns in Ukraine and across Europe about being sidelined. UK Prime Minister Starmer plans to visit the U.S. next week, seeking to act as a ‘bridge’ between the U.S. and Europe and persuade Washington to guarantee Ukraine’s security. Superficially, the UK’s sanctions are intended to support Ukraine—but deeper motives likely exist. The most obvious is that the UK is signaling loyalty to the U.S. Since Trump’s inauguration, America’s stance on Ukraine has shifted—causing unease among the UK and other European nations (see: The Final Act? Trump’s ‘Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Plan’ Just Leaked!). By intensifying sanctions against Russia, the UK demonstrates its firm alignment with the U.S. on Ukraine—signaling it will not be easily ‘wooed’ by Russia. In doing so, the UK hopes to secure greater U.S. support and influence within transatlantic relations—and avoid being ‘abandoned’ by Washington. Moreover, the UK may also be attempting to uphold its standing in Europe. Amid today’s complex global landscape, staying silent and refusing to take sides is no longer viable. Through this move, the UK also boosts its visibility—and enhances its influence in European and global affairs. 02 But does this UK approach truly solve anything? I doubt it. Russia is a nation endowed with formidable military power and abundant resources—capable of weathering UK-imposed sanctions. Moreover, Russia may retaliate, further escalating bilateral tensions. Recall: Since the war began, numerous countries have rolled out successive waves of sanctions against Russia—inflicting measurable disruption on Russian trade—yet Russia’s economy has paradoxically shown signs of counter-cyclical growth. For Ukraine, while UK sanctions and aid offer tangible assistance, they cannot resolve the root causes of the conflict.

UK Signals ‘Different View’ From Trump on Russia Sanctions

1 day ago

UK officials signaled a policy divergence from President Trump regarding Russia sanctions, specifically concerning energy export tariffs and diesel supplies intended to ease fuel costs. This stance underscores growing tensions between allies over the Ukraine conflict.

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