US President Donald Trump has described his recent tariff on Indian imports of Russian oil as a “big blow” to Moscow, claiming it has pushed President Vladimir Putin toward seeking an end to the Ukraine war.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said Russia’s economy was “not doing well” due to the conflict, and the new 50% tariff on one of its largest oil buyers added fresh pressure. “I was all set to do things far bigger than that, but I got a call that they’d like to meet,” he noted.

The U.S. president imposed the additional 25% tariff on India last week, on top of an earlier 25% levy introduced in his broader trade war. Trump and Putin are scheduled to meet Friday in Alaska to discuss a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump said he ultimately wants Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hold direct talks. He claimed tariffs have given Washington “great power over enemies” and significant revenue, citing his role in brokering peace deals such as the recent Azerbaijan–Armenia accord.

Trump also asserted he made a trade deal with Pakistan on July 30, followed by a 19% tariff the next day. India, however, stated that U.S. tariffs were not part of talks during Operation Sindoor, which ended after Pakistan’s military requested a ceasefire.

With a temporary tariff truce with China set to expire Tuesday, Trump said relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping remain strong despite “tremendous tariffs” on Chinese goods.