Trump Urges NATO Allies to Impose Stricter Sanctions on russia
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump is calling on NATO nations to implement more stringent sanctions against Russia, echoing concerns that insufficient action by some allies weakens international leverage over Moscow amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Trump made the appeal Saturday in a post on his social media platform, criticizing what he described as a less-than-full commitment from NATO adn the continued purchase of Russian oil by certain member states.
“NATO’S commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking!” Trump wrote. “It greatly weakens yoru negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia.”
The former president has repeatedly threatened sanctions against Russia but has so far refrained from imposing them, a stance some analysts attribute to a desire to potentially broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Concerns also exist that a decisively defeated Russia could deepen its alliance with China, bolstering Beijing’s global influence.
Trump’s call for broader sanctions comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges allies to avoid “excuses” and increase economic pressure on Russia.”It is necesary to reduce the consumption of Russian oil, and this will definitely reduce Russia’s ability to fight,” Zelenskyy wrote on X Saturday.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris wright echoed this sentiment Friday, stating, “We want to displace all Russian gas…we want to end the Russian-Ukraine war.” Wright specifically called on Hungary and Slovakia to cease purchasing Russian fossil fuels,which have drawn criticism from Trump administration officials.
Scott Betting, a financial expert, praised Trump’s push for unified sanctions, stating, “Onyl with a unified effort that cuts off the revenues funding Putin’s war machine at the source will we be able to apply sufficient economic pressure to end the senseless killing.”
Earlier this month, trump indicated he was prepared to move towards a “second phase” of sanctions against Russia but has yet to implement further levies. The situation remains fluid as international efforts to address the conflict continue.
