Trump calls on NATO countries to stop buying Russian oil and pressure China with tariffs
PBS NewsHour21 hrs
Trump 'Ready' to Sanction Russia if NATO Gives Up its Oil
Above: Donald Trump speaks in the courtyard of the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2025. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Trump's conditions make perfect sense because Europe has been playing both sides. Though condemning Russia and demanding U.S. support for Ukraine, European countries are funding Putin's war machine through massive oil and energy purchases. It's time for NATO allies to put their money where their mouth is and stop undermining their own stated objectives through contradictory economic policies.
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's ultimatum on NATO allies is nothing but a convenient way to avoid tough action against Russia, which he had promised to take if his push for a ceasefire failed. It's certain that Europe must stop buying energy from Moscow once and for all. However, given that the main buyers are Trump allies in Hungary, Slovakia, and Turkey, he could push them directly while imposing further sanctions if he actually wanted to do so.