Trump Urges NATO Unity on Russia, Suggests Tariffs on China as Debate Intensifies
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he is prepared to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia, but only if NATO allies act collectively by halting imports of Russian oil and introducing penalties of their own.
In a letter sent to all NATO member states, Trump urged coordinated action against both Moscow and Beijing as the Ukraine war continues. He argued that some members’ continued purchases of Russian oil had “weakened” the alliance’s leverage.
“I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when,” Trump wrote, underscoring that sanctions would have a real impact only if enforced together.
Looking beyond Russia, Trump proposed that NATO impose tariffs of 50% to 100% on Chinese goods until the war ends. He claimed such measures would weaken Beijing’s “strong grip” on Moscow and alter the dynamics of the conflict.
Trump also used the message to criticize his political rivals, saying the war in Ukraine “would never have started if I were president,” and describing it as “Biden’s and Zelenskyy’s war.” He cast himself as seeking to bring the conflict to an end and “save thousands of Russian and Ukrainian lives.”
At the same time, he warned NATO allies that without unified action, “you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States.”
Reactions to Trump’s proposals have been mixed. Supporters view his call for collective action as a way to increase NATO’s bargaining power, while others caution that broad sanctions and high tariffs could trigger retaliation and economic instability. Analysts also note that Trump’s reliance on tariffs and sanctions, though central to his foreign policy approach, risks isolating the United States if partners or adversaries push back.
Within the US, his economic agenda remains contested. While Trump continues to promote his policies as the “best in the world,” critics argue they are disruptive and unsustainable, warning that repeated attempts to pressure countries into compliance could ultimately undermine America’s long-term global influence.
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