US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to NATO allies in saying that the US will impose “major” sanctions on Russia only when they agree to do the same and stop buying oil from Russia.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to the letter, meeting Trump’s demands would mark a major shift among the alliance, and there are major questions as to whether there would be a collective interest in taking these steps and stopping Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.
“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 in a post to social media, quoting what he said was a letter sent to his NATO counterparts.
Trump added that, “As you know, NATO’s commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian oil by some has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia. Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when.”
The president further added that NATO countries to significantly ramp up tariffs on China in a show of force.
“I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR,” he said.
Trump added that Russia’s war in Ukraine would end “quickly” if those steps were taken.
CNN has reported that the European Union imposed a ban on maritime Russian oil imports and refined oil products like diesel, but many countries continue to import Russian fossil fuels and liquefied natural gas.
The president has repeatedly previewed the possibility of additional sanctions on Russia, telling Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” on Friday he’s considering “hitting very hard with sanctions to banks and having to do with oil and tariffs also.”
He has already doubled tariffs to 50% on India, which purchases oil from Russia, and acknowledged Friday the move “caused a rift” with the country. India has argued that it’s being unfairly targeted with the tariff increase, calling it “unjustified” given that other nations also do business with Moscow
