(Image source from: AP)

US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned on Tuesday that President Donald Trump has placed tariffs on India to discourage Russia from continuing its actions in Ukraine. Trump has increased the tariffs on India to 50 percent by adding another 25 percent to the previously set 25 percent. During her press conference, Leavitt explained that the goal of these sanctions was to create additional pressure on Russia. "The president is applying significant public pressure to end this war. He has taken steps, such as imposing sanctions on India and other measures. He has clearly stated his desire to see this war come to an end, and he has dismissed suggestions from others to delay meetings for another month," she remarked.

Previously, Trump held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, during which Trump expressed his willingness to engage in a trilateral discussion with Putin to seek a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Trump described the day as very productive, while Zelensky mentioned that it was the "best conversation" he had with the US President up to that point. Leavitt added that Trump aims to achieve peace as soon as possible. "The president is eager to take action and end this war quickly... With all those European leaders visiting the White House, including the NATO Secretary General, they all see this as a positive initial step. It is promising that these two leaders will be meeting, and the president anticipates that it will take place," she stated.

Leavitt also said, "I can guarantee you that the US government and the Trump administration are currently collaborating with both Russia and Ukraine to facilitate that meeting."