Trump warns Moscow with sanctions if EU, NATO match US measures

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington will escalate sanctions against Russia only if European Union and NATO countries implement measures matching those of the US and stop buying Russian oil.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump stressed that NATO and EU members must “get together” and “toughen up” before the US can go “full bore” on Russia.

“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,” Trump said. “I’m willing to do sanctions, but they’re going to have to toughen up their sanctions commensurate with what I’m doing. Well, I’m ready to move ahead, but they have to do it.”

In recent days, Trump has ramped up pressure for all NATO states to halt Russian crude purchases and called on EU nations to impose tariffs of up to 100% on China and India, according to reports. Last month, he introduced 50% tariffs on Indian goods. India has so far declined to reduce its imports of Russian oil, citing national energy security and sovereignty over economic decisions.

The EU is preparing its 19th sanctions package, which could target Russian oil exports and the banking sector. Brussels has pledged to phase out Russian fossil fuels entirely by 2027, though several member states, including Hungary and Slovakia, resist immediate restrictions due to reliance on the Druzhba pipeline.

“Right now they’re talking and they’re not doing,” Trump added.

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