United States President Donald Trump on Saturday said he is ready to impose sanctions on Russia.
However, he added that such action would only take place if all NATO allies agree to halt purchases of Russian oil and implement their own sanctions.
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The president made the statement, which he described as a letter to NATO nations and the world.
“I am ready to do major sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing,” Trump wrote.
He added that this would also apply “when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,” highlighting his demand for coordinated action within the transatlantic alliance.
Trump also suggested that NATO consider imposing tariffs ranging from 50 to 100 percent on China to help end Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
“I believe that (NATO sanctions on Russia), plus NATO, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the WAR with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR,” he said.
The president described NATO members’ continued purchase of Russian oil as “shocking,” arguing that it weakens the alliance’s bargaining power over Moscow.
“He warned that if NATO does not act according to his conditions, it would be “just wasting my time.”
