White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt revealed that Donald Trump, during his time as President, utilized increased tariffs on India as a tool to pressure Russia into withdrawing from the Ukraine war. This involved adding a 25 percent tariff on top of the existing 25 percent, for a total of 50 percent. Levitt clarified this was part of a strategy to indirectly pressure Russia. She stated Trump’s clear commitment to ending the war, and his impatience with any delays in negotiations. A meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky showed Trump’s openness to a trilateral meeting with Putin. Levitt indicated Trump’s strong commitment to peace, highlighted by positive reactions from European leaders. The White House suggested that the war might have been avoided had Trump remained in office, a claim seemingly supported by Putin. Levitt confirmed Trump is engaging in discussions to establish lasting peace and security measures that would extend beyond his presidency.
