Trump Demands NATO Halt Russian Oil Imports Before Sanctions

President Donald Trump has urged NATO countries to stop importing Russian oil as a precondition for the United States to impose major sanctions on Russia, emphasizing that continuing to buy Russian oil weakens NATO’s negotiating position in ending the war in Ukraine. He proposed that NATO collectively impose tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on China to reduce its economic influence over Russia, with the tariffs to be removed once the Russia-Ukraine conflict concludes. Trump criticized some NATO members for their insufficient commitment to winning the conflict, warning allies not to waste U.S. time, energy, and money if they fail to comply with these conditions. He has already imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods due to India's imports of Russian oil but has not yet taken similar measures against China. Trump framed the conflict as not his war but attributed blame to President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while stressing his role in seeking to end the hostilities. His statements have increased political pressure on Moscow and highlight the strategic use of energy imports and tariffs as diplomatic tools, with Washington continuing to coordinate sanctions strategies with allies to promote regional security.