US President Donald Trump on Saturday called on Nato nations to stop buying Russian oil and impose tougher measures to end the war in Ukraine.
In a letter addressed to Nato members and “the world,” Trump wrote, “I am ready to do major sanctions on Russia when all Nato nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all Nato Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA. As you know, Nato’s commitment to win has been far less than 100 percent, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia.”
Trump urged the alliance to act collectively and said he was prepared to “go” once Nato members align on sanctions. “Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when?” he said.
The US president further proposed that Nato impose steep tariffs on China to weaken its influence over Moscow. “I believe that this, plus Nato, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the war with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ending this deadly, but ridiculous, war. China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful tariffs will break that grip.”
He warned Nato that failing to act on his proposals would be a waste of US resources. “If Nato does, as I say, the war will end quickly, and all of those lives will be saved! If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States.”
A day before, Britain launched a new package of Russia-related sanctions on Friday, targeting ships carrying Russian oil, as well as companies and individuals supplying electronics, chemicals and explosives used to make Russian weapons.
The call comes after Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil. He has also threatened secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian crude, including top buyers China and India, if no progress is made toward ending the war.
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