Trump Issues Ultimatum to EU on Russia Sanctions

KABUL (Kokcha.News) — U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to the European Union, stating that Washington will only escalate sanctions against Moscow if EU and NATO member states take equivalent actions, including stopping crude oil imports from Russia.

In a statement to reporters on Sunday while returning to the White House, Trump emphasized that NATO and EU members must “unite” and “act more rigorously” for the U.S. to take “full-scale” action against Russia.

He stressed, “Europe buys oil from Russia. I don’t want them to buy oil—and the sanctions they impose are not tough enough. I’m ready to impose sanctions, but they must also intensify their sanctions to the same level as I do. Well, I’m ready to move forward, but they must do it too.”

According to the *Financial Times*, Trump has repeatedly called for NATO members to stop buying Russian crude oil in recent days and has urged European countries to impose tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese and Indian goods.

Last month, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. New Delhi has so far refrained from reducing oil imports from Moscow, citing national energy security and independence in economic decision-making.

The European Union is preparing its 19th sanctions package, which may target Russian oil exports and the country’s banking sector. Brussels has committed to completely phasing out Russian fossil fuel consumption by 2027, but several member states—including Hungary and Slovakia—continue to oppose immediate restrictions due to their reliance on the Druzhba pipeline.

Trump added on Sunday, “Right now, they’re just talking and not doing anything.”

Russia has repeatedly stated that it seeks a lasting and long-term peace in the Ukraine crisis, accusing Kyiv and its Western backers of attempting to undermine the peace process.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently warned against Western countries’ efforts to “punish” China and India or adopt a “colonial” tone toward them.