Bedminster: U.S. President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to NATO member countries on Friday, urging them to immediately stop importing Russian oil. Speaking from his Bedminster estate, Trump emphasized that the United States is prepared to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia but only if all NATO nations commit to halting their purchases of Russian energy.
In a statement shared via Truth Social, Trump criticized several NATO members, including Turkey, Hungary, and Slovakia, for continuing to import Russian oil, calling the practice “shocking” and damaging to the alliance’s cohesion and credibility. “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,” he said.
Trump also extended his call to action beyond Europe, targeting China and India. He threatened tariffs and other punitive measures against both countries for continuing to purchase Russian oil, arguing that these transactions provide critical funding for Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine. While the U.S. has already imposed a 50% tariff on imports from India, similar measures against China have been delayed amid ongoing trade negotiations.
The European Union is reportedly considering accelerating its phase-out of Russian oil and gas, weighing proposals to halt new contracts and short-term purchases beginning next year. However, some member states, notably Hungary and Slovakia, oppose a full phase-out due to concerns over rising energy costs and economic stability, highlighting the difficulty of achieving consensus within NATO and the EU.
Trump’s remarks have drawn both attention and criticism, with analysts noting that his strong rhetoric contrasts with the limited tangible action taken by the current administration. Observers argue that while the call for a unified halt of Russian oil imports is strategically significant, achieving such alignment among NATO nations with diverse energy needs remains a formidable challenge.
As the international community monitors these developments, questions remain over whether NATO allies will respond to the U.S. appeal and whether additional sanctions against Russia, China, and India will be implemented. The situation underscores the complex interplay between geopolitics, energy security, and global economic interests, with implications for both diplomatic relations and energy markets worldwide.