U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly declared that he is ready to impose “major sanctions” on Russia —but only under a clear, enforceable precondition: all NATO members must cease buying oil from Russia and join in those measures.
In a post on Truth Social described as a letter to NATO and the world, Trump said that ongoing purchases of Russian oil by some alliance members are “shocking” and weaken NATO’s collective leverage in the war in Ukraine. He emphasized that joint action is essential, stating: “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.”
Alongside the threat of sanctions, Trump also proposed that NATO, acting as a group, impose tariffs of 50–100% on China, on the grounds that China’s ongoing energy trade with Russia gives Moscow financial runway in its conflict with Ukraine. He suggested these tariffs would be rescinded if a peaceful settlement to the war is achieved.
So far, the U.S. has already applied a 25% tariff on goods from India, citing its continued purchases of Russian energy products. China, meanwhile, has not yet faced similar tariffs despite being one of the largest buyers of Russian oil.
The announcement represents a significant escalation in Washington’s strategy to pressure both Russia and its international trading partners. It places the spotlight on the willingness and ability of NATO allies to reduce dependence on Russian energy —a sensitive issue given the differing energy profiles, geopolitical priorities, and domestic political constraints across the alliance.
