Trump urges Europe to halt Russian oil purchases in call with European leaders

US President Donald Trump told European leaders on September 4 that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil, which he said is helping Moscow finance its war against Ukraine, a White House official stated.

Trump joined a call of the “Coalition of the Willing,” led by French President Emmanuel Macron, where leaders discussed security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace agreement with Russia, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters. 

“President Macron and European leaders called President Trump into their ‘Coalition of the Willing’ meeting. President Trump emphasized that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war — as Russia received 1.1 billion euros in fuel sales from the EU in one year,” the official said.

“The president also emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russia’s war efforts,” the official added.

The European Commission has proposed legislation to phase out EU imports of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028, part of its efforts to end long-standing energy ties with Moscow following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

According to the White House official, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also took part in the call.

“The ‘Coalition of the Willing’ meeting was on security guarantees for Ukraine. President Trump questioned their seriousness while they continue to fuel Russia's economy and war. The president made clear that this is not his war, and the Europeans must step up as well,” the official said.

The official noted that Trump has been frustrated by his inability to bring about a halt to the fighting in Ukraine after initially predicting he could swiftly end the conflict when he assumed office in January.

By Sabina Mammadli