US President Donald Trump has said he is ready to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, but only if NATO countries meet certain conditions, including stopping the purchase of Russian oil.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, he stated he was ready to do major sanctions on Russia once NATO nations had agreed, and started, to do the same thing. Trump has repeatedly threatened tougher measures against Moscow but has thus far taken no action as the Kremlin has ignored his deadlines.
He labeled the purchases of Russian oil as shocking and proposed that NATO implement 50-100% tariffs on China, arguing this would undermine Beijing's influence over Russia.
In a message directed at NATO nations, Trump expressed his eagerness to act, stating, I am ready to 'go' when you are. Just say when? He added that the continuing purchases of Russian oil weaken NATO's negotiating position significantly.
European dependence on Russian energy has reportedly decreased since the invasion of Ukraine, with expectations that it may drop from 45% in 2022 to about 13% this year. Despite these reductions, Trump believes more action is necessary.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of halting Russian energy imports, claiming this, combined with significant tariffs on China, could help resolve the ongoing conflict.
Trump's message gains significance amid escalating tensions following recent Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, signaling heightened security concerns among NATO allies.
The former president's recent remarks come alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for European nations to cease all energy purchases from Russia, marking a collective push from Ukraine and its allies against Russian aggression.
Trump's insistence on a coordinated NATO response, including nations such as Turkey, complicates the geopolitical landscape, particularly given Ankara’s ongoing trade relations with Moscow.