Trump sets conditions for tougher sanctions
US President Donald Trump said he is ready to impose tougher sanctions on Russia. But he tied this to conditions. Nato countries must first stop buying Russian oil. On his Truth Social platform, he wrote he was “ready for major sanctions on Russia” once Nato states had “agreed and started to do the same.”
Trump has repeatedly announced tougher action against Moscow. But he has not acted when the Kremlin ignored his deadlines and threats. He called the purchase of Russian oil “shocking.” He also suggested Nato impose tariffs on China. Between 50 and 100 percent, he said, would weaken Beijing’s “strong influence” over Russia.
Trump appeals directly to Nato states
In what he called 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.” Trump also claimed that stopping Russian energy purchases combined with high tariffs on China would help. After the war, the tariffs should be “fully withdrawn.” He described the package as “a great help” in ending the conflict.
Europe’s energy dependence drops sharply
Europe’s dependence on Russian energy has dropped significantly since Moscow’s invasion began. In 2022, the EU imported about 45 percent of its gas from Russia. That share is expected to fall to around 13 percent by the end of this year. Trump’s words suggest he sees that figure as insufficient.
His message reached Nato during a time of heightened tension. More than a dozen Russian drones entered Polish airspace on Wednesday. Warsaw called the incident a deliberate provocation. Moscow downplayed the event and said it had “no plans to target facilities in Poland.”
Nato strengthens eastern presence
Denmark, France and Germany have joined a new Nato mission. They will move military assets to the alliance’s eastern flank. In the same week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged 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 states have spent about €210 billion on Russian oil and gas. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air calculated the amount, much of which has funded Moscow’s war. The EU has pledged to phase out purchases by 2028. The US wants a faster timeline – partly to replace supplies with its own.
Trump puts pressure on Ankara
Trump’s message targeted Nato, not the EU. That includes countries such as 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 may prove especially difficult.
Trump threatened tougher sanctions already in September after Russia’s heaviest bombardment of Ukraine. Asked if he was ready to move to a “second phase” of punishment, he said: “Yes, I am.” But he gave no details. The US had earlier imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods. It also added a 25 percent penalty for transactions with Russia that remain key to funding the war in Ukraine.
