Trump sets conditions for tougher measures
US President Donald Trump said he is prepared to impose tougher sanctions on Russia. But he demanded that Nato countries first stop buying Russian oil. On his Truth Social platform, he declared he was “ready for major sanctions on Russia” once Nato states had “agreed and started to do the same.”
Trump has repeatedly promised harsher action against Moscow. Yet he has failed to act when the Kremlin ignored his deadlines. He described the purchase of Russian oil as “shocking.” He also urged Nato to place tariffs of 50 to 100 percent on China. He argued this would weaken Beijing’s “strong influence” over Russia.
Trump calls on Nato partners
In what he described as a letter to Nato nations, Trump wrote: “I am ready to go when you are. Just say when.” He added: “The purchase of Russian oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position with Russia.” He also argued that ending Russian energy purchases combined with heavy tariffs on China would be effective. According to him, those tariffs should be “fully withdrawn” after the war. He said the plan would be “a great help” in ending the conflict.
Europe reduces reliance on Moscow
Europe’s reliance on Russian energy has fallen sharply since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion. In 2022, the EU still imported about 45 percent of its gas from Russia. That figure is set to fall to around 13 percent by the end of this year. Trump’s remarks indicate he considers that reduction insufficient.
His message came at a tense moment for the alliance. More than a dozen Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace on Wednesday. Warsaw said the move was deliberate. Moscow dismissed the incident and insisted it had “no plans to target facilities in Poland.”
Nato builds up eastern defences
Denmark, France and Germany have joined a new Nato mission. They will move military assets to strengthen the alliance’s eastern flank. That same week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pressed Europe to stop buying Russian oil and gas. In an interview, he said: “We must stop any purchase of energy from Russia. We cannot make deals if we want to stop them.”
Since 2022, European countries have spent around €210 billion on Russian oil and gas. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reported that much of the money has funded Moscow’s war. The EU has pledged to phase out purchases by 2028. Washington is urging a faster timeline, partly to sell its own energy supplies instead.
Trump increases pressure on Turkey
Trump’s message was aimed at Nato, not the EU. That includes Turkey, a major buyer of Russian oil. Ankara also maintains closer ties with Moscow than any other alliance member. Convincing Turkey to cut off Russian supplies could prove a far greater challenge.
Trump last threatened tougher sanctions in September after Russia launched its heaviest bombardment on Ukraine. Asked if he was prepared to enter a “second phase” of punishment, he replied: “Yes, I am.” He did not provide details. The US had previously imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods. It also added a 25 percent penalty for transactions with Russia that play a key role in funding the war.
