(MENAFN) The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly encouraging European Union countries that back Kiev to levy 500% tariffs on imports from China, with the revenue intended to support Ukraine’s military efforts, according to reports.

This initiative is part of Washington’s ongoing tensions with Beijing, which Trump referred to this week as a “trade war.” His repeated warnings of new tariffs, along with China’s retaliatory actions, have already caused instability in global markets. The US has also called on European nations to take measures against China for its purchases of Russian oil and gas.

The proposed tariffs are expected to contribute to a mechanism known as the “Ukraine victory fund.” Reports indicate that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been tasked with promoting the plan to European governments ahead of a scheduled visit by Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky to Washington on Friday.

Kiev is reportedly seeking US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, a request the Trump administration has suggested it might approve, provided European allies cover the expenses.

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking after attending a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels, reiterated that Washington anticipates European partners to “donate even more” toward purchasing American weapons for Ukraine.

Moscow, however, has maintained that Western military support will not change the trajectory of the conflict, which it views as a NATO-driven proxy war and a threat to its national security.

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