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 mentioned Saturday he’s “able to do main Sanctions on Russia” as soon as all NATO international locations have began “to do the identical factor” and pause their purchases of oil from Moscow.
He additionally urged NATO international locations to impose “50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA,” which he mentioned ought to be withdrawn after the Russia-Ukraine battle has concluded.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 Fact Social submit, which he mentioned 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 battle machine on the supply will we be capable to apply adequate financial strain 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 this point held off from doing so.
Earlier this month, the president mentioned he was ready to maneuver in direction of a second section 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 partially as a result of he hopes he can dealer a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, analysts beforehand instructed CNBC.
“The second cause … is there’s a sense that if Russia is defeated … then it has no selection however to go even additional all-in with China, and that doubtlessly then would strengthen China’s place,” Chris Weafer, the chief govt of Moscow-based Macro-Advisory, instructed CNBC earlier this month.
Trump’s Saturday submit underscores that he’s shifting his focus to NATO nations to place strain on Russia to finish its battle.
“As you recognize, 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 submit.
“It significantly 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 need to displace all Russian gasoline. President Trump, America, and all of the nations of the EU, we need to finish the Russian-Ukraine battle,” U.S. Secretary of Power Chris Wright mentioned Friday.
