Trump urges NATO to halt Russian oil purchases, proposes heavy tariffs on China amid Ukraine war
US President flays NATO members for continuing to import Russian oil, saying it weakened the alliance’s ability to pressure Moscow
PTC Web Desk: US President Donald Trump on Saturday called on NATO countries to immediately stop buying oil from Russia and impose joint sanctions, while also proposing steep tariffs on China until the war in Ukraine ends.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to NATO members and “the world,” Trump said he was ready to impose major sanctions on Moscow, but only if all NATO allies agreed to act together. “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,” he wrote.
He criticised NATO members for continuing to import Russian oil, saying it weakened the alliance’s ability to pressure Moscow. “As you know, NATO's commitment to win has been far less than 100 percent, and the purchase of Russian oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia,” Trump said. Urging the alliance to move collectively, he added, “Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when?”
Alongside sanctions, US President Trump suggested that NATO impose 50 to 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods until the war concludes. According to him, such measures would reduce Beijing’s influence over Moscow. “China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful tariffs will break that grip,” he wrote, stressing that the tariffs should be fully lifted once peace is restored.
Trump also warned NATO that failing to act on his proposals would waste US resources. “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,” he cautioned.
The call comes shortly after Britain introduced a new sanctions package on Friday, targeting ships transporting Russian oil and companies supplying electronics, chemicals, and explosives used in Russian weapons.
Trump’s comments also follow his recent move to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25 percent levy on Indian oil imports. He has warned that countries continuing to buy Russian crude, including India and China, could face secondary sanctions if no significant progress is made toward ending the Ukraine war.