Trump Suggests European sanctions on China Could End Ukraine War
WASHINGTON D.C. – former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on September 18, 2025, that he believes European sanctions targeting China – a major purchaser of Russian oil – could compel China too pressure Russia into ending it’s war against Ukraine. Trump made the remarks in an interview with Fox News, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @RapidResponse47.
Trump’s assertion centers on China’s economic leverage over Russia. “If they (European countries) applied sanctions, for example, either duties, or no matter what you call it, if they did it regarding China, I think the war, perhaps, would end,” trump said. He added, “As China today is indisputably the largest buyer of oil from Russia. And I think that they have other levers of influence on Russia also…”
The former president indicated he would discuss the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a scheduled conversation on Friday. He also noted upcoming discussions regarding TikTok and trade agreements, stating, “My relations with China are very good…we are very close to concluding agreements on all these issues.”
This suggestion comes as the European Union considers accelerating its efforts to reduce reliance on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), responding in part to calls from the U.S. to limit energy purchases from Russia. Trump believes that action by Europe specifically targeting China could be a decisive factor in resolving the conflict.
