Trump Calls for NATO Oil Ban, China Tariffs to halt ukraine War
WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump proposed a two-pronged strategy to end the conflict in Ukraine, urging NATO members to impose tariffs on Russian oil and, separately, threaten significant tariffs on China to diminish it’s influence over Russia. The proposals, outlined in a social media post, come as Congress considers legislation to strengthen sanctions against Russia and follows Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska that yielded no breakthroughs in peace negotiations.
Trump’s intervention injects a new, and perhaps disruptive, element into the ongoing debate over how to pressure Russia to end its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The proposals reflect Trump’s long-held views on trade and his frequent criticism of both China and NATO allies. The stakes are high, as the war continues to claim lives and destabilize Europe, with international efforts to find a resolution thus far unsuccessful. The proposals are likely to face scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans, given their unconventional nature and potential economic ramifications.
According to Trump’s post, a NATO ban on Russian oil, coupled with tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on Chinese goods, would “break” China’s “strong control, and even grip, over Russia.” He suggested the tariffs on China should be lifted only upon a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.
The former president also pointed to existing U.S. trade policy as a precedent, noting his administration has already implemented a 25% import tax on goods from india due to its continued purchase of Russian energy products.
In a controversial move, Trump attributed obligation for the war to his successor, President Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President volodymyr Zelenskyy, conspicuously omitting any blame for Putin, who initiated the invasion.
The proposals echo calls made during a recent meeting of finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrialized democracies. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged a “unified front” to disrupt the financial flows supporting Putin’s war effort,according to Greer’s office.