NATO chief Mark Rutte expressed support for US President Donald Trump's tariffs on India, stating that these measures are influencing the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Rutte noted that Trump's tactics are unsettling the Kremlin and adding pressure on President Vladimir Putin.

When asked if Trump would impose sanctions, Rutte confirmed, "He already did. We have seen not the big ones, the big one on India." He explained that the tariffs are affecting India's communication with Russia, saying, "Delhi is now on the phone with Vladimir, Vladimir with Putin in Moscow and Narendra Modi asking, hey, I support you, but again, could you explain to me this strategy?" Rutte acknowledged that while the US is taking action, there is still frustration over the inability to collectively end the war.

Rutte also commented on Trump's recent admission that achieving a ceasefire with Russia is more challenging than anticipated. He remarked, "I think President Trump hit it exactly as he should have by saying the mentioning the paper tiger." He highlighted that the war has significantly weakened Putin, noting, "He’s lost 1 million people now or seriously wounded in this war. He is now losing in one month what the Soviets lost in 10 years in Afghanistan."

Despite ongoing territorial disputes, Rutte emphasized that only Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky can decide on any concessions. He stated, "What we have here is a president really trying to get Putin to the table. And so far, Putin has not played ball."

In his UN address, Trump accused China and India of funding Russia's war through oil purchases, urging European allies to stop energy imports from Moscow. He announced new tariffs against India, raising duties to 50% on 27 August due to India's continued ties with Russian energy. The Kremlin dismissed Trump's comments, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejecting the "paper tiger" label and asserting that Russia has stable economic fundamentals.