By Hanika Kashyap
US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday, September 13, that the Russia-Ukraine conflict would come to an end if NATO members ceased purchasing Russian oil. He further warned that China could face tariffs ranging from 50 to 100 per cent over its oil trade with Russia.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump criticised NATO members for continuing to buy Russian oil, calling the move harmful to their leverage against Moscow. He suggested that such actions undercut the alliance’s bargaining power and argued that NATO’s dedication to securing victory in the war has not been wholehearted.
China remains the top importer of Russian energy, with India next in line. Turkey, despite being of NATO, ranks third, while Hungary and Slovakia are among other alliance members still sourcing oil from Russia.
The development coincides with rising tensions after drones fired from Russia violated the airspace of NATO member Poland, prompting Polish forces to shoot them down. At the same time, Congress has been pressing Trump to support legislation aimed at tightening sanctions.
Trump argued that cutting off Russian oil purchases by NATO, alongside imposing tariffs on China, could play a key role in bringing the war to an end. He claimed that Beijing holds significant influence over Moscow and suggested that the tariffs could weaken the leverage.
Trump places responsibility for the conflict on President Joe Biden and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, insisting it would not have erupted under his leadership. Notably, he excluded Russian President Vladimir Putin when assigning blame.
The 79-year-old media personality pressed NATO to follow his advice, claiming it would swiftly bring the war to a close and spare countless lives. Otherwise, he argued, the alliance would be sqaundering U.S. resources. Just last month, his administration imposed a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on India, adding another 25 percent penalty in response to its continued purchases of Russian oil and weapons.