The U.S. president has indicated his readiness to proceed, but only if European partners likewise “toughen up” and cease their acquisition of Russian oil
U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned that Washington will only intensify sanctions against Moscow if EU and NATO countries mirror U.S. actions and discontinue their purchases of Russian crude oil.
Speaking with reporters upon his return to the White House Sunday, Trump stated that NATO and EU members need to “get together” and “toughen up” before the U.S. can be expected to 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 escalated his calls for all NATO states to from Russia and encouraged EU nations to levy tariffs of up to 100% on China and India, as per the Financial Times.
Russia has consistently asserted its desire for enduring and stable peace in the conflict in Ukraine, while simultaneously accusing Kiev and backers of efforts to obstruct the peace process.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently cautioned Western nations against attempting to “punish” China and India or using a “colonial” tone in their interactions. “Talking to such partners in such a tone of voice is unacceptable,” he remarked during a visit to Beijing earlier this month.