Trump warns NATO: Choose between Russian oil or sanctions

US President Donald Trump has declared that he is prepared to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia if all members of the North Atlantic Alliance unite in halting their purchases of Russian oil.

In a letter published on his Truth Social platform, Trump addressed NATO countries and the wider international community:

“I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA. As you know, NATO’S commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia. Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when?

I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR. China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip. This is not TRUMP’S WAR (it would never have started if I was President!), it is Biden’s and Zelenskyy’s WAR. I am only here to help stop it, and save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives (7,118 lives lost last week, alone. CRAZY!). If NATO does as I say, the WAR will end quickly, and all of those lives will be saved! If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Trump’s remarks mark his latest warning to European allies, following previous threats to impose sanctions not only on Moscow but also on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil. He has also signalled the possibility of secondary sanctions against top buyers such as China and India if there is no progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.

The president has already moved against India, announcing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in response to its continued imports of Russian oil. However, he has so far refrained from applying similar measures to China, despite calling for tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese goods if NATO collectively adopts his plan.

By Tamilla Hasanova