U.S. President Donald Trump has called on NATO member countries to unite in imposing strong sanctions on Russia, urging them to halt all oil imports from Moscow. In a forceful message, he also proposed slapping 50-100% tariffs on China until the war in Ukraine ends, arguing these measures would weaken China’s influence over Russia and help end the conflict.
In a letter addressed to NATO members and the broader international community, Trump asserted that the alliance’s current actions have been insufficient. He emphasized that some member states continue buying Russian oil, which, in his view, undermines the collective negotiating power against Russia. “I am ready to do major sanctions on Russia when all NATO nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,” he said. He added a bold challenge: “Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when?”
As part of his proposal, Trump urged NATO to adopt steep tariffs—half to equal or in some cases double current levels—on China. He argued these tariffs, combined with a unified embargo on Russian oil by NATO, would significantly pressure Russia by cutting off financial support while reducing China’s leverage in the conflict.
China has defended its ongoing energy ties with Russia. Its foreign ministry stated that trade and economic cooperation are legitimate and lawful. Beijing has emphasized that its energy partnerships are consistent with its national interests, pushing back against proposals to penalize these interactions.
Trump warned that unless NATO members move swiftly and collectively, U.S. efforts and resources could be wasted. He suggested that decisive action would expedite the end of the war and save lives. If NATO fails to act, he said, current U.S. expenditures, diplomatic efforts, and energy sacrifices could amount to little.
The letter follows recent U.S. policy moves, including the imposition of a 50% surcharge on certain Indian imports and additional tariffs linked to oil purchases. In parallel, Britain has announced a sanctions package targeting ships transporting Russian oil and individuals involved in supplying materials used by Russia in its war efforts.
Trump’s message underscores a strategy focused on coordinated economic pressure and energy isolation. His proposals, though ambitious, hinge on convincing NATO members to align on both sanctions and energy policy—moves that may face resistance given differing national interests and reliance on Russian resources.