NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday issued a strong warning to India, China, and Brazil, threatening secondary sanctions due to their ongoing economic ties with Russia. Speaking to U.S. lawmakers during a visit to Congress, Rutte urged the three nations to press Russian President Vladimir Putin to take proposed peace negotiations with Ukraine seriously.
“My message to the leaders in Beijing, Delhi, and Brasília is simple: this could have serious consequences for you,” Rutte told reporters. “Pick up the phone and call Putin. Tell him to engage sincerely in peace talks, or the impact will be severe—for Brazil, for India, and for China.”
Rutte’s remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of increased military support for Ukraine and a sharp warning of 100% secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian exports if a peace agreement is not finalized within 50 days.
Rutte emphasized Europe’s commitment to financially backing Ukraine to strengthen its position in negotiations. He confirmed that, as part of an agreement with Trump, the U.S. will now significantly ramp up its military aid to Ukraine, including air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition, with costs covered largely by European allies.
When asked about the nature of the military support, Rutte said the aid includes both defensive and offensive weaponry. “We didn’t go into details with the president yesterday,” he noted, adding that coordination is now underway between the Pentagon, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, and Ukrainian officials.
