Trump Signals Major Sanctions on Russia Pending NATO Action on Oil

Mon Sep 15 2025 13:02:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent statement on his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump indicated he is prepared to impose substantial sanctions on Russia, contingent upon NATO nations ceasing their purchase of Russian oil. This announcement comes amid escalating tensions between NATO and Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his readiness to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, provided NATO countries stop buying Russian oil. He described current purchases of Russian oil as 'shocking' and suggests that ceasing these imports would strengthen NATO's bargaining power with Russia. This statement coincides with rising tensions following recent Russian incursions into Polish airspace.

US President Donald Trump has stated he is ready to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, but only if NATO countries meet specific conditions, primarily ceasing their purchase of Russian oil.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, he indicated a willingness to enact major sanctions against Russia once NATO nations have 'agreed, and started, to do the same thing.'

Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of stronger measures, yet has taken no action as of yet, despite Moscow's dismissive responses to his previous threats and deadlines.

He characterized the ongoing purchase of Russian oil as 'shocking,' urging NATO to consider imposing tariffs of up to 100% on China to weaken its hold over Moscow.

In what he termed a letter to NATO nations, Trump emphasized his readiness to act: 'I am ready to 'go' when you are. Just say when?'

He continued by noting that the reliance on Russian oil undermines NATO's negotiating position and collective bargaining power.

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, Europe's dependence on Russian energy has significantly decreased, with import levels expected to drop from 45% in 2022 to around 13% this year. Still, Trump's commentary suggests he believes this reduction is insufficient.

This announcement is timely, following a recent escalation of tensions marked by Russian drones entering Polish airspace, which Polish officials labeled a deliberate incursion. In response, NATO countries, including Denmark, France, and Germany, have committed to strengthening their military presence in Eastern Europe.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also called for an end to energy imports from Russia, echoing Trump’s sentiments regarding the urgency of reducing ties with Moscow.

With European nations reported to have spent approximately €210bn on Russian oil and gas since 2022, and ongoing debates about the pace of phasing out these purchases, Trump's message directed at NATO, rather than just the EU, implies a complex diplomatic landscape—especially in persuading Turkey, a significant buyer of Russian oil.

Trump’s mention of potentially increasing sanctions follows the Kremlin's recent intensified attacks on Ukraine, a situation that has left many within the international community calling for urgent action.