Trump Calls for Escalated Tariffs on China,Oil Embargo on Russia to End Ukraine War
WASHINGTON D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday proposed a dramatic escalation of economic pressure on both China and Russia,arguing that steep tariffs and an oil embargo are key to resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump called for NATO allies to impose tariffs of 50 to 100 percent on all Chinese imports and to immediately cease purchasing Russian oil.
[Image: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: @WhiteHouse/X]
The proposal comes a day after the Biden management urged G7 nations to consider tariffs on countries continuing to buy Russian oil, a move aimed at further constricting Moscow’s revenue streams.
Trump framed his plan as a necessary step to strengthen the West’s negotiating position. “NATO’s commitment to win has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian oil, by some, has been shocking!” he wrote.He asserted he is prepared to implement “major sanctions” on Russia, but only if NATO members demonstrate a unified front by cutting off Russian energy purchases.
Beyond the oil embargo, Trump argued that imposing significant tariffs on China – a nation he believes wields considerable influence over Russia – would “break that grip” and accelerate a path to peace.He pointed to his own past use of tariffs on Chinese goods, including a peak of 145% at one point, before a partial de-escalation in May. Currently, the U.S. levies a 30% tariff on some Chinese imports, to which Beijing has responded with a 10% tariff on U.S. goods.
In a characteristic statement, Trump distanced himself from the current conflict, claiming it “would never have started” under his leadership. He labeled the war “Biden’s and Zelenskyy’s war,” while positioning himself as a potential mediator.
“I am only here to help stop it, and save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives,” Trump stated. He warned that if NATO fails to adopt his proposed strategy,”you are just wasting my time,and the time,energy,and money of the United States.”
U.S. Treasury Secretary scott Bessent and United States Trade Representative ambassador Jamieson Greer reportedly discussed Trump’s call for tariffs on Russian oil purchasers with G7 finance ministers on Friday, signaling the administration is at least considering the former president’s proposals.
Keywords: Donald Trump, Ukraine, russia, NATO, Tariffs, China, oil Embargo, G7, Sanctions, Biden Administration, International Relations, Geopolitics.
