WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump over the weekend urged NATO members to halt Russian oil imports and slap high tariffs on China in what he described as a pathway to end the war in Ukraine.
According to AP News, claiming the war could be brought to a halt by changing energy and trade dynamics, Trump proposed that NATO nations stop purchasing Russian oil and impose tariffs of 50% to 100% on Chinese imports.
Speaking on Saturday, Trump said NATO’s support in the Russia-Ukraine war has been lacking. He called out member nations that continue to buy Russian energy, arguing this undermines the alliance’s credibility. He also criticized what he sees as insufficient deterrence against growing Russian aggression.
Trump Issues Economic Ultimatum to NATO Allies
Trump's call came following a Russian drone incursion into NATO-member Poland’s airspace earlier in the week. While the drones were intercepted and destroyed by Polish forces, the incident alarmed officials who warned it could signify a serious escalation in the region. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the move dangerous, saying it remained unclear whether the drones were sent on purpose. Reacting to growing fears about Russian military activity creeping into NATO borders, Trump said that continuing to rely on Russian oil significantly weakens the West's negotiating position. He also emphasized that limiting economic exposure to Moscow would pressure the Kremlin to compromise. “It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia,” he said.
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, NATO country Turkey has been the third-largest buyer of Russian oil since 2023, behind China and India. Other NATO countries, including Hungary and Slovakia, also continue to purchase Russian energy. Trump did not specify whether he would directly confront Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan or Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán over these transactions.
China’s Role in the Energy Market is Targeted
In addition to urging a Russian oil ban, Trump proposed imposing sharp tariffs on China, ranging from 50% to 100%, in response to its consumption and indirect support of Russian commodities. He argued that China holds considerable influence over Moscow and that steep tariffs could weaken that grip. “China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia,” he said. “Powerful tariffs will break that grip.”
Trump linked Chinese trade penalties with efforts to force an end to the war, saying the tariffs should stay in place unless the conflict is resolved. He described a combined campaign of energy isolation and trade pressure as a workable formula to stop what he called a “deadly, but ridiculous” war. The call for strict tariffs also comes amid an already tense trade environment. Earlier this year, the United States implemented tariffs totaling 145% on goods from China, prompting retaliatory duties of 125% from Beijing. Tensions have eased slightly in recent months, with current U.S. tariffs reduced to 30% and China’s to 10% following high-level negotiations.
Escalation Follows Drone Strike into Poland
Wednesday’s drone incursion marked a critical moment in the ongoing war, as it involved the airspace of a NATO country. Secretary of State Rubio said, “The question is whether the drones were targeted to go into Poland specifically.” He added that if proven intentional, the event could be considered a major provocation.
Trump responded to the incident by calling it “possibly a mistake,” though he used the moment to highlight what he sees as NATO’s leniency toward Moscow. Acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea said America is committed to defending all NATO territory. “The drones entering Poland, intentionally or otherwise, show immense disrespect for good-faith U.S. efforts to bring an end to this conflict,” she said Friday during a UN Security Council meeting.
Also on Friday, the United Kingdom introduced new sanctions, banning 70 ships involved in transporting Russian oil. Additionally, Britain sanctioned 30 people and businesses from China, Turkey, and elsewhere for assisting Russia’s military industrial base.
U.S. Aims to Unify Allies Behind Energy Policy
Trump’s remarks came one day after a call with the Group of Seven finance ministers. During the call, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encouraged G7 allies to form a unified stance to block additional resources from aiding Russia’s war effort, according to Greer’s office.
Despite pledging during his campaign to swiftly end hostilities in Ukraine, Trump has drawn criticism for not taking stronger measures against Russia. Last month, Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska for discussions, but no agreement materialized. Throughout his presidency, Trump has sought to balance his tough-talk rhetoric with parallel negotiations. While he has imposed a 25% tax on Indian imports—partly due to India’s energy dealings with Russia—he indicated talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are ongoing and that a resolution may be in sight.
Energy Trade Remains Central to Ukraine's Response
Earlier frustrations also surfaced in Trump's statements about other NATO countries’ continued business with Moscow. He said their purchases of Russian oil prevent a unified front and weaken NATO's effectiveness in confronting the conflict.
Critics have accused Trump of avoiding criticism of Putin, and while his social media post blamed former President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the war’s continuation, he made no mention of direct responsibility by the Kremlin. Trump insisted his plan to end the war relies on isolating Russia economically through NATO solidarity and strategic trade policies aimed at external actors like China. He concluded by calling for immediate action from allied nations, arguing that stronger steps are required to bring the war in Ukraine to a close.
