Brussels, July 16 -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a stern warning to Brazil, China, and India, cautioning that they could face severe economic penalties if they continue doing business with Russia. Speaking to reporters after meeting with US senators on July 16, Rutte urged leaders in Beijing, Delhi, and Brasilia to press Russian President Vladimir Putin to take the peace negotiations seriously.

"If you are the President of China, the Prime Minister of India, or the President of Brazil, and you continue to trade with Russia and buy their oil and gas, then you know: if the man in Moscow doesn't take the peace negotiations seriously, I will impose 100 per cent secondary sanctions," Rutte said.

"My encouragement to these th...