Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on NATO allies to immediately halt their purchases of Russian oil, warning that failure to do so would prompt tougher American sanctions against both Moscow and its trading partners. Trump, who has continued to play an influential role in U.S. foreign policy debates, said the move was necessary to weaken Russia’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine.
Speaking during a policy briefing in New York, Trump accused NATO members of “undermining their own security” by continuing to buy Russian energy despite pledges to reduce dependence. He argued that every barrel of oil imported from Moscow effectively fuels Russia’s military aggression and prolongs the war.
“Europe cannot say it stands with Ukraine while still paying billions to Russia,” Trump said, insisting that NATO countries must align their energy policies with broader sanctions aimed at crippling the Kremlin’s economy. He added that the U.S. would not hesitate to impose penalties on countries that refuse to comply.
Trump’s comments come as Western nations struggle to balance the need for energy security with sanctions designed to isolate Russia. While the European Union has imposed restrictions on Russian oil imports, loopholes and exemptions have allowed some purchases to continue, particularly through third-party intermediaries.
Analysts say Trump’s intervention highlights ongoing divisions within NATO over how to approach energy security. While some members advocate a complete ban on Russian oil, others fear the economic fallout of cutting off supplies too quickly, especially with winter energy demands looming.
The Kremlin, meanwhile, has dismissed Western sanctions as ineffective, insisting that Russia has successfully redirected much of its oil exports to Asian markets, particularly China and India. However, energy experts note that losing access to European markets would still deal a significant blow to Moscow’s revenues.
As the debate intensifies, Trump’s remarks are likely to add pressure on NATO governments already facing public discontent over high energy costs. Whether his call translates into immediate action remains uncertain, but it underscores the deepening link between geopolitics, energy security, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
