Trump outlines his stance
US President Donald Trump said he is prepared to introduce tougher sanctions on Russia. But he demanded that Nato members first end their purchases of Russian oil. On his Truth Social platform, he wrote he was “ready for major sanctions on Russia” once Nato states had “agreed and started to do the same.”
Trump has often promised stronger action against Moscow. Yet he has not acted when the Kremlin ignored his threats. He described the purchase of Russian oil as “shocking.” He also urged Nato to impose tariffs of 50 to 100 percent on China. He argued that would weaken Beijing’s “strong control” over Russia.
Trump calls on Nato allies
In what he described as a letter to Nato, Trump wrote: “I am ready to go when you are. Just say when.” He added: “The purchase of Russian oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position with Russia.” He said halting Russian energy imports combined with high tariffs on China would speed up the end of the conflict. He promised tariffs would be “fully withdrawn” after the war.
Europe cuts energy reliance
Europe’s reliance on Russian energy has already dropped since the invasion began. In 2022, the EU imported about 45 percent of its gas from Russia. That figure is expected to fall to around 13 percent this year. Trump’s comments suggest he views the reduction as insufficient.
His message came amid rising tensions between Nato and Moscow. More than a dozen Russian drones entered Polish airspace on Wednesday. Warsaw called it a deliberate act. Moscow dismissed the claim and insisted it had “no plans to target facilities in Poland.”
Nato boosts eastern defences
Denmark, France and Germany have joined a new Nato mission. They will deploy military units to reinforce the alliance’s eastern flank. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Europe to stop importing Russian oil and gas. In an interview, he said: “We must stop any purchase of energy from Russia. We cannot make deals if we want to stop them.”
Since 2022, European countries have spent about €210 billion on Russian oil and gas. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reported that much of the money has funded Moscow’s war. The EU has committed to phasing out Russian energy by 2028. Washington wants the process to move faster and offers its own supplies as an alternative.
Trump pressures Turkey
Trump’s demand targeted Nato as a whole, not the EU. That includes Turkey, which remains a major buyer of Russian oil. Ankara also keeps closer ties with Moscow than any other Nato state. Convincing Turkey to cut supplies may prove particularly difficult.
Trump last issued threats of tougher sanctions in September after Russia’s heaviest strikes on Ukraine. Asked if he was ready for a “second phase” of punishment, he said: “Yes, I am.” But he offered no further details. The US had earlier imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods. It also added a 25 percent penalty on Russian-related transactions that continue to fund the war.
