trump Links Russia Sanctions to NATO Oil Boycott, Proposes China Tariffs in Push for Ukraine War End
WASHINGTON D.C. – Former President Donald Trump stated Saturday he is prepared to impose “important sanctions” on Russia, but only if NATO allies simultaneously cease purchasing Russian oil and agree to dramatically increase tariffs on China. The proposals, delivered via Trump’s social media platform truth Social, represent a conditional approach to escalating pressure on Moscow amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“I am ready to apply significant sanctions against Russia when all NATO countries agree, and begin, to do the same, and when all NATO nations stop buying oil from Russia,” Trump wrote, according to the associated Press. he has repeatedly suggested targeting Russia’s revenue streams as a means to hinder its war effort, though previous threats have not materialized, drawing frustration from Kyiv.
Trump characterized NATO’s continued reliance on Russian oil as “shocking,” arguing it undermines the alliance’s negotiating position. “Anyway, I’m ready when you are. Just say when,” he added.
Beyond Russia, Trump also proposed a significant economic measure targeting China, citing its growing strategic partnership with Moscow. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing earlier this year.
“I believe that if NATO increases from 50% to 100% tariffs to China” – tariffs he suggested would be lifted after the war’s conclusion – “it would be of great help to put an end to this deadly, but ridiculous war,” Trump stated. He asserted that China wields considerable influence over Russia and that increased tariffs would diminish that control.
Trump framed his proposals as a direct ultimatum to the 32-nation alliance. “If the alliance of 32 countries ‘does what I say, the war will end quickly,'” he said. “If not, they are just wasting my time.”
The former president’s comments come after a reported meeting with Putin in Alaska in August.
