Following NATO’s recent sanctions warning to India, China, and Brazil regarding their trade with Russia, foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad has stated the US is escalating its rhetoric to pressure Moscow. Awwad believes the US has failed in its attempts to isolate Russia and is now turning to tactics such as the recent warnings. He suggests this is occurring because the US anticipates the war to continue and will escalate its provision of weaponry. NATO chief Mark Rutte, along with US Senators, urged the three nations to reconsider their economic ties with Russia, with secondary sanctions a potential consequence if Russia does not engage in peace talks on Ukraine. This reflects Trump’s earlier statements regarding severe tariffs on countries maintaining trade with Russia. US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have also issued warnings to those purchasing Russian oil and gas, advocating for the swift passage of the “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025”.
