US President Donald Trump has declared readiness to intensify pressure on Moscow but emphasized that European allies must first adopt stricter measures against Russian energy imports. During a press briefing on Sunday, Trump criticized NATO and EU nations for their perceived reluctance to match Washington’s approach, urging them to “stand firm” before further action is taken.
“Europe is sourcing oil from Russia,” Trump stated. “I don’t want that to continue, and the sanctions they’ve imposed aren’t sufficient. I’m prepared to escalate, but only if they align with my efforts. They need to toughen their penalties proportionally.” The remarks come as Trump has recently pushed for NATO members to abandon Russian oil purchases and advocated for steep tariffs on goods from China and India, according to reports.
The EU is currently drafting its 19th round of sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector and financial institutions. While Brussels aims to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, nations like Hungary and Slovakia have resisted immediate cuts due to reliance on the Druzhba pipeline. Trump dismissed these delays, saying, “They’re talking but not acting.”
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Moscow’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, accusing Western powers of obstructing peace efforts. He also rebuked recent calls for punitive measures against China and India, calling the tone “unacceptable” during a visit to Beijing.
The standoff highlights deepening divisions over how to address Russia’s influence, with Trump’s demands placing additional pressure on European governments already grappling with energy security challenges.
