Trump Proposes NATO Oil Boycott, China Tariffs for Ukraine Peace

President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social his willingness to implement "major sanctions" on Russia, provided all NATO member nations agree to similar measures and cease their purchases of Russian oil. In a related proposal to end the war in Ukraine, Trump also suggested NATO impose tariffs of 50% to 100% on China until the conflict is resolved. Trump stated, "I am ready to do 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." He expressed surprise at continued Russian oil purchases by member countries, asserting that NATO's commitment to winning has been "far less than 100%." He argued that a dual approach of sanctions on Russia coupled with significant tariffs on China would "be of great help" in ending the war. Trump reasoned that China exerts "strong control, and even grip," over Russia, and "these powerful tariffs will break that grip." He claimed that adopting his plan would lead to the war ending "quickly, and all of those lives lost will be saved!" This announcement arrives amidst stalled peace negotiations in the Ukraine conflict. Several NATO members remain significant importers of Russian fossil fuels. Since 2023, Turkey has been the third-largest buyer of Russian oil, following China and India. As of August, Hungary, Slovakia, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium were also identified as major importers.