U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media earlier than boarding Marine One upon departure for New York, in Washington, D.C., U.S., Sept. 11, 2025.
Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters
President Donald Trump stated Saturday he’s “able to do main Sanctions on Russia” as soon as all NATO nations have began “to do the identical factor” and pause their purchases of oil from Moscow.
He additionally urged NATO nations to impose “50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA,” which he stated needs to be withdrawn after the Russia-Ukraine struggle has concluded.
“China has a robust management, and even grip, over Russia, and these highly effective Tariffs will break that grip,” Trump wrote in a Reality Social put up, which he stated was the textual content of a letter despatched to all NATO nations and “the world.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent lauded Trump’s transfer to induce NATO nations to impose strict sanctions on China.
“Solely with a unified effort that cuts off the revenues funding Putin’s struggle machine on the supply will we have the ability to apply adequate financial stress to finish the mindless killing,” Bessent wrote on X.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, however has to date held off from doing so.
Earlier this month, the president stated he was ready to maneuver in the direction of a second part of sanctioning Russia, however has not but imposed the levies.
A part of Trump’s reluctance to impose the strict financial punishments could also be partly as a result of he hopes he can dealer a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, analysts beforehand instructed CNBC.
“The second motive … is there’s a sense that if Russia is defeated … then it has no alternative however to go even additional all-in with China, and that probably then would strengthen China’s place,” Chris Weafer, the chief govt of Moscow-based Macro-Advisory, instructed CNBC earlier this month.
Trump’s Saturday put up underscores that he’s shifting his focus to NATO nations to place stress on Russia to finish its struggle.
“As you understand, NATO’S dedication to WIN has been far lower than 100%, and the acquisition of Russian Oil, by some, has been stunning!” Trump wrote within the put up.
“It vastly weakens your negotiating place, and bargaining energy, over Russia,” he continued.
Hungary and Slovakia have continued to purchase Russian fossil fuels, drawing criticism from Trump officers.
“We wish to displace all Russian gasoline. President Trump, America, and all of the nations of the EU, we wish to finish the Russian-Ukraine struggle,” U.S. Secretary of Vitality Chris Wright stated Friday.