Why it matters:
The US has struggled to convince major global buyers to reduce their reliance on Russian energy, while sanctions have had an uneven impact. Trump’s proposal raises the prospect of further dividing NATO allies and escalating trade tensions with China and India.
The big picture:
In a social media post, Trump said he is prepared to implement “major sanctions on Russia” only once all NATO nations stop purchasing Russian oil and act in unison.
He urged NATO as a bloc to impose tariffs of between 50 and 100 percent on China, arguing this would weaken Beijing’s ability to support Moscow.
Despite targeting India with a 25 percent tariff over its continued imports of Russian crude, Washington has so far avoided similar action against China, Russia’s largest energy customer.
What they’re saying:
Trump: “I am ready to impose 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.”
European officials have previously warned that an immediate halt to Russian oil imports could destabilise their economies, even as they gradually reduce reliance on Moscow.
Analysts say that China and India’s role as top buyers has helped Russia cushion the blow of Western sanctions, keeping oil revenues flowing to fund its war efforts.
Key points:
- NATO is formally a military alliance and has no mechanism to impose economic tariffs collectively, making Trump’s proposal largely symbolic.
- Russia has redirected much of its energy trade eastward since the 2022 invasion, strengthening ties with China and India.
- Trump’s tariff threat against Beijing risks escalating an already tense US-China trade relationship.
Go deeper:
Western sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas sectors have been partially offset by record sales to Asia.
EU nations remain divided on the pace and scope of reducing Russian energy imports, with some still dependent on Moscow’s crude.
Mojtaba Darabi - Mojtaba Darabi
