Trump Pressures Europe to Match US Sanctions on Russia, Threatens Further Measures
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that he is prepared to impose further sanctions on Russia but stressed that Europe must adopt measures equivalent to Washington’s actions. Speaking to reporters upon his return to the White House from Morristown, New Jersey, Trump criticized European countries for continuing to buy Russian oil, which he described as undermining the effectiveness of sanctions.
“Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don’t want them to buy oil, and the sanctions that they’re putting on are not tough enough. I’m willing to do sanctions, but they’re going to have to toughen up their sanctions commensurate with what I’m doing,” he said. His remarks echoed a letter he published on Truth Social the day before, where he declared his readiness to introduce “major sanctions” once all NATO countries stop importing Russian oil and align with US measures.
Trump accused NATO allies of showing “far less than 100%” commitment in confronting Moscow and said continued oil purchases by “some” were “shocking.” He has previously threatened secondary sanctions on countries still importing Russian oil and has already imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s continued trade with Moscow. Meanwhile, the G7 and the EU have set a price cap on Russian oil, and the EU has pledged to phase out Russian oil and gas imports entirely by January 1, 2028.
