Trump tells NATO members they have to transfer first on Russia sanctions over Ukraine

President Trump instructed fellow NATO nations on Saturday that he’ll solely impose new sanctions on Russia over its struggle in Ukraine in the event that they cease buying Russian oil.

“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 wrote in a prolonged social media put up in what he described because the textual content of a letter to all NATO nations and the remainder of the world.

Trump has been beneath strain from some in his personal social gathering to extend sanctions on Russia after his efforts at diplomacy stalled. In the meantime, Russia has stepped up aggression – together with this week when a number of Russian drones entered the airspace of NATO member Poland.

NATO fighter jets shot down the drones. Trump’s response has been comparatively muted. He prompt that the incursion might have been an accident, however he has stated his endurance with Russia is working skinny.

Trump final month doubled tariffs on Indian items to 50 p.c because of India’s continued purchases of Russian vitality.

Trump spoke to European leaders about Russian oil final week

Trump privately instructed European leaders on name final week that they wanted to chop off Russian oil to place extra strain on Russian President Vladimir Putin to finish the struggle, in response to a White Home official who spoke on situation of anonymity to explain the personal dialog. Trump’s put up on Saturday amplified these sentiments.

“As you know, NATO’S commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia.”

“Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are,” he added. “Just say when?”

The US and its allies have been cautious about restrictions on Russian vitality commerce due to fears of the affect on the worldwide financial system.

The European Union had been closely depending on Russian vitality earlier than Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. It has taken steps to cut back these purchases, however they haven’t disappeared totally, in response to the Centre for Analysis on Power and Clear Air, a Finnish nonprofit that tracks the purchases. Many EU nations are additionally NATO members.

The EU is the largest purchaser of Russian liquefied pure fuel (LNG) and pipeline pure fuel. And NATO member Turkey is a significant purchaser of Russian vitality.

Trump additionally desires NATO members to tariff China

Trump additionally stated in his put up that he desires NATO nations to impose tariffs of fifty% to 100% on Chinese language items. China has emerged as the highest purchaser of Russian oil since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip,” Trump stated.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Commerce Consultant Jamieson Greer spoke with G7 finance ministers on Friday and pressed them to impose tariffs on nations shopping for Russian oil. In a press release, they stated solely a “unified effort” to chop off Russian revenues would finish the struggle.

A few of Trump’s fellow Republicans have been pushing him to step up financial motion in opposition to Russia.

South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham launched a sanctions package deal in July, together with Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal. After the Russian drones have been shot down over Poland this week, Graham posted on social media encouraging Trump to help that package deal.

“Mr. President, Congress is with you. We stand ready to pass legislation authorizing bone crushing new sanctions and tariffs that can be deployed at your discretion,” he wrote. “Our goal is to empower you as you deal with this mounting threat.”

NPR White Home correspondent Franco Ordoñez contributed to this report.