Trump Demands Europe Halt Russian Oil Imports to Cut War Funding

Former President Donald Trump has told European leaders to immediately stop buying Russian oil. He made the demand during a video call with the “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris. Trump stated these energy purchases are directly funding Moscow’s war against Ukraine.

The call occurred on Thursday following the high-level meeting. According to a White House official, Trump also urged economic pressure on China for its role in supporting Russia’s military efforts.

New Tariffs and Global Energy Pressure

This push aligns with Trump’s recent aggressive trade policies. It comes just days after Washington imposed new tariffs on Indian imports. Those tariffs specifically target India for its continued purchase of Russian crude oil.

The European Commission has already proposed ending Russian energy imports by 2028. Most European nations halted direct imports of Russian crude and fuel in 2022 and 2023. However, some refined products from third countries may still originate from Russian oil.

Strategic Shift in US Foreign Policy

Trump’s direct intervention marks a significant strategic shift. He has expressed frustration over not ending the Ukraine war quickly. His approach has involved withholding new sanctions while applying pressure through tariffs and diplomatic demands.

This creates a complex global energy dynamic. European leaders must now balance their energy security with this new pressure from Washington. The situation also impacts major refining nations like India and key Russian ally China.

The demand for a full European embargo on Russian energy signals a tougher US stance. This move aims to strangle the financial pipeline fueling the conflict. The global energy market is now bracing for the wider impact of these escalating Trump Russian oil sanctions.

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What did Trump say about Chinese support for Russia?

Trump told European leaders to place economic pressure on China. He accused China of funding Russia’s ongoing war efforts in Ukraine. This aligns with US intelligence assessments of Sino-Russian cooperation.

How did the recent India tariffs relate to this?

The US recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports. This action penalizes India for its continued purchase of Russian crude oil. It is a clear example of Trump using trade policy to enforce energy sanctions.

Which European countries still import Russian oil?

Most EU nations stopped direct imports in 2022. However, Hungary and Slovakia still receive Russian crude via pipeline under sanctioned exemptions. The main issue now involves refined products made from Russian oil.

What was the “Coalition of the Willing” meeting?

It was a summit in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting aimed to show European unity and independent action on Ukraine. Leaders then held a video conference with Trump to discuss their plans.

Has Trump spoken directly with Vladimir Putin?

Trump stated he plans to speak with the Russian president soon. A Kremlin spokesman confirmed that such a call could be organized very quickly. This would be a direct continuation of their diplomatic engagement.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press