President Donald Trump has declared that the United States is prepared to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia, but only if NATO allies first stop purchasing Russian oil and commit to similar measures.
Speaking through a post on his Truth Social platform, which he described as a letter to NATO nations and the international community, Trump insisted that the alliance must act collectively if sanctions are to have any meaningful impact on Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.
“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,” Trump wrote.
The former president, who recently met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska, criticized NATO members for continuing energy ties with Moscow, calling it “shocking” and warning that such actions weaken the alliance’s leverage against the Kremlin. “Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when?” he added.
Trump has repeatedly threatened tougher measures against Russia, including last week after Moscow launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began. But Kyiv has voiced frustration over what it sees as repeated warnings without decisive follow through.
Beyond sanctions on Russia, Trump urged NATO to consider taking an aggressive stance against China, which he accused of tightening strategic ties with Moscow. He suggested that the alliance impose tariffs ranging from 50 to 100 percent on Chinese goods, arguing that such a move would pressure Beijing to withdraw its support for Russia.
“I believe that NATO sanctions on Russia, plus NATO as a group placing 50 to 100 percent tariffs on China to be lifted once the war ends will also be of great help in ending this deadly but ridiculous war,” Trump stated. “China has a strong grip over Russia and these powerful tariffs will break that grip.”
Trump concluded by stressing that the war could be brought to a swift end if NATO takes the steps he outlined. “If the 32 member alliance does as I say, the war will end quickly. If not, you are just wasting my time,” he warned.
Reactions from NATO capitals will be monitored as the alliance weighs Trump’s latest demands and the potential implications for the war in Ukraine.
