US President Donald Trump said that current sanctions on Russia are not strong enough to stop the war in Ukraine. Therefore, he urged European nations to toughen their measures. He also criticized Europe for continuing to buy Russian oil.

“Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don’t want them to buy oil,” Trump told reporters, according to Reuters. “The sanctions they’re putting on are not tough enough. I’m willing to do sanctions, but they’re going to have to toughen them up to match what I’m doing.”

Trump Signals Harsher Measures

Moreover, Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He warned that stronger steps could follow. Although he has not officially announced new sanctions, he suggested targeting Russian banks and the oil sector, and hinted at new tariffs.

“We’re going to have to come down very, very strong,” he said, emphasizing the need for decisive pressure on Moscow.

US Treasury Supports Tough Action

In addition, the US Treasury urged G7 countries to increase pressure on Russia. Its goal is to cut Moscow’s revenue from energy sales.

Meanwhile, Trump called on NATO allies to stop buying Russian oil. He also proposed up to 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods until the Ukraine war ends.

Trump accused Beijing of influencing Moscow. On Truth Social, he wrote, “I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA, to be fully withdrawn after the war with Russia and Ukraine is ended, will also be of great help in ending this deadly, but ridiculous, war.”

Global Oil Purchases Complicate Sanctions

Furthermore, data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air shows Turkey, a NATO member, is the third-largest buyer of Russian oil, after China and India. Hungary and Slovakia also import Russian energy, making sanctions enforcement more difficult.

Tariffs on India and Potential Moves Against China

Meanwhile, Trump has already imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods because India continues to buy Russian oil. However, he has not applied similar tariffs on China yet.

In addition, he has threatened additional tariffs on Russia, though his administration has not implemented them so far.