Former US President Donald Trump has issued a firm warning to NATO members, stating that the United States will only enact significant sanctions against Russia if every NATO country agrees to implement similar measures and ceases the purchase of Russian oil.
In a letter circulated on social media this past Saturday, Trump emphasized that Washington’s forthcoming actions hinge on unanimous NATO collaboration.
“I am prepared to impose substantial sanctions on Russia once all NATO members have consented and commenced similar actions, and when every NATO nation stops purchasing oil from Russia,” Trump stated. “The commitment from NATO to achieve victory has been less than complete, and the continued acquisition of Russian oil by some members is astonishing! This severely undermines your leverage and bargaining strength against Russia. Regardless, I am ready to proceed whenever you are. Just say the word.”
Additionally, Trump urged NATO countries to impose hefty tariffs on China as part of a wider strategy to exert pressure.
“I believe that this, combined with NATO collectively implementing tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on China-measures to be fully lifted once the conflict between Russia and Ukraine concludes-will significantly contribute to ending this tragic yet senseless war,” he added.
Trump contended that these actions would expedite the cessation of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
While the European Union has already prohibited maritime imports of Russian crude oil and refined products like diesel, certain member states and NATO allies outside the EU-such as Turkey, a significant consumer of Russian energy-continue to depend on supplies from Moscow.
Meanwhile, Trump has intensified pressure on India by doubling tariffs on imports to 50% in response to New Delhi’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil. He acknowledged that this move “created a rift” with India, which has criticized the decision as “unjustified.”
European leaders, however, have shown reluctance to adopt Trump’s approach. They remain wary of weaponizing tariffs, especially against China, with whom the EU is currently negotiating a significant trade agreement.
As Trump’s proposals circulate among NATO allies, Russia continues its military campaign unabated. On Saturday, Romania’s defense ministry reported intercepting a drone that entered its airspace amid Russian attacks on Ukraine. Two F-16 fighter jets tracked the drone until it disappeared from radar near Chilia Veche, close to the Danube River.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the drone’s presence in NATO airspace for approximately 50 minutes as “a clear escalation of the war by Russia.”
This incident follows a recent Russian drone intrusion into Polish airspace earlier this week, prompting NATO to strengthen its eastern defenses. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned these actions as “unacceptable and dangerous,” while Polish forces initiated aviation operations as a precautionary measure.
The rising tensions highlight the gravity of Trump’s ultimatum, which risks deepening fractures within NATO at a pivotal juncture in the ongoing conflict.
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