Trump Criticizes NATO, Links Russia Sanctions to Oil Imports
He argued that NATO’s commitment “to WIN has been far less than 100%,” and called the continued purchase of Russian oil by some members “shocking.”
USA, PUREWILAYAH.COM - US President Donald Trump has demanded that NATO members immediately stop purchasing Russian oil and support steep tariffs on China, which he claims could bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
In a Saturday post on Truth Social, Trump lashed out at NATO countries for what he described as their unwillingness to take decisive action to stop hostilities between Moscow and Kiev.
“I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia… when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,” he wrote.
He argued that NATO’s commitment “to WIN has been far less than 100%,” and called the continued purchase of Russian oil by some members “shocking.” According to Trump, such behavior “greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia.”
Push for Tariffs on China
Trump also proposed that NATO members impose tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on Chinese goods, adding that these would be lifted once the war in Ukraine ends. He presented the move as additional leverage to pressure Moscow into halting its military operations.
Since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, Beijing has maintained that it is a neutral actor and has repeatedly insisted it provides no assistance to either side.
US Pressure on Europe
NATO officials and European Union leaders have yet to comment on Trump’s demands.
His post comes as Washington has been pressuring Brussels to expand sanctions, not only against China but also India, over their continued import of Russian crude.
A European Commission spokesperson told CNBC that the EU “has engaged with all relevant global partners, including India and China, in the context of its sanctions enforcement efforts,” though declined to provide details of ongoing talks.
EU’s Next Sanctions Package
Meanwhile, the European Union is finalizing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia. While the exact wording remains under discussion, the measures are expected to target Russian oil exports and the banking sector.
The EU has pledged to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports entirely by 2027. However, some member states, notably Hungary and Slovakia, have resisted the proposal, citing their reliance on crude supplied through the Druzhba pipeline.
Moscow has condemned Western sanctions as “illegal” and counterproductive. Russian officials insist the measures have failed to derail the national economy, instead accelerating domestic production and reducing dependence on Western markets. (PW)