Trump Calls for Unified NATO Sanctions on Russia, Proposes China Tariffs
WASHINGTON – Former US President Donald Trump issued a statement Saturday outlining conditions for further sanctions against Russia, demanding complete unity from NATO allies.He insisted he is prepared to impose “major sanctions” on moscow, but only if all NATO members simultaneously cease purchasing Russian oil and implement their own independent sanctions measures.
Trump communicated his demands via a post on his Truth Social platform, framing it as an open letter to NATO nations and teh global community. He criticized the continued purchase of Russian oil by NATO countries as “shocking,” arguing it undermines their leverage in negotiations with the Kremlin.
Beyond sanctions directly targeting Russia, Trump proposed a more unconventional approach: the imposition of tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on goods originating from China. he believes such tariffs, intended to be lifted after a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, would disrupt the growing strategic partnership between China and Russia, and ultimately pressure Moscow to end the war. Trump asserted that China wields meaningful influence over russia and that these tariffs would “break that grip.”
This is not the first time Trump has threatened escalated sanctions against Russia. He has previously indicated a willingness to take stronger action, including following a recent large-scale aerial attack by Russia on Ukraine. However, these threats have not yet materialized, causing frustration in Kyiv.
Trump referenced a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, held last month, and reiterated his call for a unified front.He concluded his statement with a direct challenge to NATO, stating that the war would end “quickly” if they followed his recommendations, and warning that further engagement would be a “waste of my time.”
The 32-member NATO alliance has not yet responded to Trump’s proposal.
