WP: The three-step strategy to counter Russia's war in Ukraine Sanctions, NATO action, more weapons

A recent opinion piece in The Washington Post outlines a three-step strategy to counter Russian aggression and bolster Ukraine’s defence amid the ongoing war. The article emphasises the urgent need for a coordinated campaign to reduce Russia’s revenue from oil and natural gas exports, strengthen NATO’s response to airspace violations, and provide Ukraine with more offensive military capabilities.

The first step proposed is the imposition of crippling secondary tariffs on all countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, modeled after US President Donald Trump’s sanctions that targeted Iranian energy exports. 

However, the article points out that many of these buyers are NATO members and European Union countries, with the EU importing 51 per cent of Russia’s liquefied natural gas and 36 per cent of pipeline gas. Major consumers include Hungary, Slovakia, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Türkiye. The piece urges these countries to immediately cease their Russian fossil fuel purchases, warning that continuing to do so effectively funds the Russian war effort.

The second recommended measure involves a firm response to any future Russian incursions into NATO airspace. The article highlights Trump’s support for shooting down Russian aircraft that violate NATO borders — a stance echoed by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who said, “Roger that.”

Third, the opinion calls for lifting restrictions imposed by the Biden administration that have limited Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian targets, allowing Kyiv to take the fight to Russian forces both militarily and in terms of energy infrastructure. 

It also references Trump’s plan to sell US weapons to NATO allies, who would then supply Ukraine, a strategy designed to minimise US taxpayer burden while reinforcing national security.

The article underscores that these proposals are in line with Trump’s previous statements, including a July 2023 Fox News interview where he vowed to increase arms supplies to Ukraine if Russia refused peace talks. It concludes by suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rejection of peace overtures from Trump has only escalated the conflict further.

By Sabina Mammadli