Trump Threatens Sanctions on Russia As NATO Faces Oil Purchase Dilemmas

Mon Sep 15 2025 09:49:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated his readiness to impose sanctions on Russia contingent upon NATO nations ceasing their oil purchases from Moscow. His remarks, made via Truth Social, underscore the ongoing tensions between NATO allies and Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict.

President Donald Trump announced he is prepared to enforce harsher sanctions on Russia if NATO countries stop buying Russian oil. He criticized these purchases as detrimental to NATO's bargaining power against Moscow. The call for unified action comes at a time of escalating military tensions in Eastern Europe and at a crucial juncture in the ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has stated he is ready to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, contingent upon NATO countries halting their purchases of Russian oil.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed his willingness to impose major sanctions on Russia once NATO nations agree to take similar actions. The President criticized the ongoing purchases of Russian oil as shocking, which he believes undermines NATO's negotiating power with Russia.

Trump's comments seemingly aim at galvanizing NATO allies to unify their stance against Russia, especially as European nations' reliance on Russian energy resources has declined since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Last year, the EU sourced about 45% of its gas from Russia, but that figure is projected to drop to around 13% this year, acknowledging that it is still too high in Trump’s view.

He further emphasized the need for NATO allies to act together, questioning their energy procurement choices. In a letter directed at NATO members, he stated, I am ready to 'go' when you are. Just say when?

As tensions between NATO partners and Russia intensify, with recent provocations such as drone incursions into Polish airspace, Trump's statements come amid calls from other leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, for European nations to stop engaging in any energy deals with Russia.

Trump's insistence on strict sanctions and tariffs, particularly on China, reflects his broader strategic considerations, aiming to diminish Russia's strength while pressuring NATO allies to enhance their collective security measures. As the conflict continues to evolve, the challenge remains for NATO member states to navigate energy dependence while maintaining a unified front against aggression from Moscow.