U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a forceful message to European leaders: immediately cease all purchases of Russian oil, which he asserts are fueling Moscow’s war in Ukraine, and escalate economic pressure on China for supporting Russia’s war efforts. The call came during a video meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” hosted by President Emmanuel Macron to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as participants.
Citing figures that Russian oil exports to the EU generated approximately €1.1 billion in revenue for Moscow in one year, the White House official emphasized that such energy purchases are effectively underwriting continued aggression. Trump argued that Europe’s continued reliance on Russian hydrocarbons undermines both the conflict response and the credibility of their commitment to Ukraine. He also pressed leaders to hold China accountable for its economic ties that assist Russia’s war machine.
The push comes as the European Commission is advancing legislation to phase out Russian oil and gas imports by January 1, 2028. In parallel talks in Paris, Macron’s attendance and wider discussion of post-conflict “security guarantees” reflect Europe’s growing assertiveness, though Trump warned that without meaningful actions, including ending energy trade with Russia and applying pressure on China the Coalition’s commitment to Ukraine remains questionable.
