Trump makes sanctions conditional
US President Donald Trump said he is ready to impose tougher sanctions on Russia. But he demanded Nato members first stop buying 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 spoken of harsher action against Moscow. Yet he has not acted when the Kremlin ignored his deadlines. He described the purchase of Russian oil as “shocking.” He also suggested tariffs of 50 to 100 percent on China. He argued such measures would weaken Beijing’s “strong control” over Russia.
Trump appeals to Nato nations
In what he called a letter to Nato allies, 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 claimed that halting Russian energy imports and imposing tariffs on China would help end the war. He added that tariffs should be “fully withdrawn” once the conflict ends.
Europe reduces Russian energy use
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 about 13 percent this year. Trump’s comments suggest he considers that figure still too high.
His statement came during renewed tensions between Nato and Moscow. More than a dozen Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace on Wednesday. Warsaw said the act was deliberate. Moscow dismissed the claim and said it had “no plans to target facilities in Poland.”
Nato strengthens eastern flank
Denmark, France and Germany have joined a new Nato mission. They will move military assets eastward to reinforce the alliance’s defences. In the same week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European nations to stop Russian energy imports. 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 around €210 billion on Russian oil and gas. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said much of this money has funded Moscow’s war. The EU has pledged to phase out imports by 2028. Washington wants faster action and offers its own supplies as a replacement.
Trump turns spotlight on Turkey
Trump’s warning applied to Nato, 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. Persuading Turkey to cut supplies may prove especially difficult.
Trump last threatened 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 gave no details. The US had already imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods. It also added a 25 percent penalty on Russian-related transactions that continue to finance the war.
