Trump tells NATO members to chop off Russia oil : NPR

President Trump instructed fellow NATO nations on Saturday that he’ll solely impose new sanctions on Russia over its struggle in Ukraine in the event that they cease buying Russian oil.

“I’m able to do main Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and began, to do the identical factor, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,” he wrote in a prolonged social media submit in what he described because the textual content of a letter to all NATO nations and the remainder of the world.

Trump has been beneath strain from some in his personal social gathering to extend sanctions on Russia after his efforts at diplomacy stalled. In the meantime, Russia has stepped up aggression – together with this week when a number of Russian drones entered the airspace of NATO member Poland.

NATO fighter jets shot down the drones. Trump’s response has been comparatively muted. He prompt that the incursion may have been an accident, however he has mentioned his endurance with Russia is operating skinny.

Trump final month doubled tariffs on Indian items to 50 p.c on account of India’s continued purchases of Russian vitality.

Trump spoke to European leaders about Russian oil final week

Trump privately instructed European leaders on name final week that they wanted to chop off Russian oil to place extra strain on Russian President Vladimir Putin to finish the struggle, in keeping with a White Home official who spoke on situation of anonymity to explain the non-public dialog. Trump’s submit on Saturday amplified these sentiments.

“As you realize, NATO’S dedication to WIN has been far lower than 100%, and the acquisition of Russian Oil, by some, has been stunning! It tremendously weakens your negotiating place, and bargaining energy, over Russia.”

“Anyway, I’m able to ‘go’ when you find yourself,” he added. “Simply say when?”

The US and its allies have been cautious about restrictions on Russian vitality commerce due to fears of the impression on the worldwide financial system.

The European Union had been closely depending on Russian vitality earlier than Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. It has taken steps to cut back these purchases, however they haven’t disappeared totally, in keeping with the Centre for Analysis on Vitality and Clear Air, a Finnish nonprofit that tracks the purchases. Many EU nations are additionally NATO members.

The EU is the largest purchaser of Russian liquefied pure gasoline (LNG) and pipeline pure gasoline. And NATO member Turkey is a significant purchaser of Russian vitality.

Trump additionally needs NATO members to tariff China

Trump additionally mentioned in his submit that he needs NATO nations to impose tariffs of fifty% to 100% on Chinese language items. China has emerged as the highest purchaser of Russian oil since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“China has a powerful management, and even grip, over Russia, and these highly effective Tariffs will break that grip,” Trump mentioned.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Commerce Consultant Jamieson Greer spoke with G7 finance ministers on Friday and pressed them to impose tariffs on nations shopping for Russian oil. In an announcement, they mentioned solely a “unified effort” to chop off Russian revenues would finish the struggle.

A few of Trump’s fellow Republicans have been pushing him to step up financial motion in opposition to Russia.

South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham launched a sanctions bundle in July, together with Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal. After the Russian drones have been shot down over Poland this week, Graham posted on social media encouraging Trump to assist that bundle.

“Mr. President, Congress is with you. We stand able to go laws authorizing bone crushing new sanctions and tariffs that may be deployed at your discretion,” he wrote. “Our aim is to empower you as you take care of this mounting menace.”

NPR White Home correspondent Franco Ordoñez contributed to this report.