Trump demands NATO stop Russian oil purchases to end Ukraine war

In the United States, on September 13, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered a strong message via his Truth Social platform urging NATO members to cease their purchases of Russian oil. He claimed such a bold action would significantly contribute to resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing that NATO's commitment to winning the conflict had been insufficient. Trump described the continued buying of Russian oil by certain NATO countries as shocking, arguing that it weakened their negotiating power against Russia. As part of his demand, Trump stated that he would consider imposing major sanctions on Russian oil but only once all NATO nations agreed to enact similar measures. This ultimatum came amid heightened tensions following the recent launch of NATO's military operation, Eastern Sentry, which aimed to bolster defenses in Eastern Europe due to increased Russian aggression. In addition to sanctions on Russia, Trump proposed that NATO countries impose substantial tariffs of 50-100% on China regarding its imports of Russian petroleum. He suggested that these tariffs could be lifted once the conflict between Russia and Ukraine reached a conclusion. His call for unity among NATO allies highlighted the need for a comprehensive and collective approach to international trade and sanctions policy, especially in the context of the war. The response from NATO allies regarding Trump's proposals remains uncertain, generating discussions about the potential shifts in the alliance's policies towards Russia and China. The situation raises significant questions about the effectiveness of current measures and the willingness of countries, such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Turkey, which continue to purchase Russian oil, to comply with Trump's demands. As the war continues, the interplay of economic policies, diplomacy, and military strategy will play vital roles in determining the future of both NATO and the conflict itself.