International Desk : US President Donald Trump has declared his readiness to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia—but only if NATO members agree to cease purchasing Russian oil.

In a message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he was "ready to do major sanctions on Russia" once NATO allies had “agreed, and started, to do the same thing.”

Despite previous threats of tougher action against the Kremlin, Trump has yet to follow through when Russia ignored his deadlines. His latest message, styled as a letter to NATO nations, criticised continued energy imports from Russia as "shocking."

"The purchase of Russian oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia," Trump wrote, adding: "I am ready to `go` when you are. Just say when?"

Trump also called for NATO to impose tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on China, arguing that it would weaken Beijing’s "strong control" over Russia. He suggested such measures—alongside an end to Russian energy purchases—would be “of great help” in ending the war in Ukraine.

Europe’s dependence on Russian energy has significantly decreased since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, about 45% of the EU`s gas came from Russia, a figure expected to drop to 13% this year. Trump, however, appears to consider this reduction insufficient.

The post came amid rising tensions between NATO and Russia after over a dozen Russian drones reportedly entered Polish airspace on Wednesday. Warsaw called the incursion deliberate, while Moscow dismissed the incident, claiming it had "no plans to target" Polish infrastructure.

In response, NATO allies—including Denmark, France, and Germany—have joined a new mission to reinforce the alliance’s eastern flank, deploying military assets to the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed similar demands last week, urging European nations to cut all energy ties with Russia. Speaking to ABC News, Zelensky said: “We have to stop [buying] any kind of energy from Russia, and by the way, anything, any deals with Russia.”

According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, European countries have spent an estimated €210 billion (£182 billion) on Russian oil and gas since 2022—money that has likely helped finance the invasion of Ukraine.

While the EU has pledged to phase out Russian energy imports by 2028, the US is pressuring for a faster timeline, partly to supply European markets with American alternatives.

Trump’s remarks were directed at NATO members, not the EU—making Turkey’s role critical. As a significant importer of Russian oil and a NATO ally maintaining warm ties with Moscow, Ankara may prove difficult to persuade.

Trump last issued a threat of escalated sanctions earlier this month after Russia launched its most intense missile assault on Ukraine since the conflict began. When asked whether he was prepared to enter a “second phase” of sanctions, he responded, “Yeah, I am,” without offering further details.

The US has already slapped 50% tariffs on goods from India—including a 25% penalty for transactions involving Russia—highlighting Washington’s broader strategy of financially isolating Moscow.

Source: BBC