Trump Ties U.S. Pressure on Russia to European Oil Cuts
During his visit to the United Kingdom, President Donald Trump made clear that America’s next moves against Moscow hinge on one thing: whether allies stop buying Russian oil.
The president told reporters that lower energy prices would quickly weaken the Kremlin’s resolve. “If oil comes down, Putin will have no choice but to pull out of the war,” Trump argued after talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He added that while he was willing to explore new measures against Russia, they would not happen if European nations continued fueling Moscow’s economy with energy purchases.
Trump, who has often claimed he could end the war swiftly, struck an unusually critical tone toward the Russian leader. “He has really let me down,” he said, pointing to the rising civilian toll from missile and drone strikes. The comments come after weeks of escalating Russian attacks and Ukrainian counterstrikes on refineries inside Russia.
Europe’s Uneven Energy Cuts
Most EU states stopped direct purchases of Russian crude after the invasion began in 2022, but some central and eastern members still receive supplies via pipelines. Meanwhile, large shipments of diesel and refined fuels arrive from countries like India and Turkey, which buy Russian crude, process it, and resell it abroad. Those flows are currently legal but are due to face restrictions in 2025.
Starmer acknowledged the challenge, warning that parts of Europe remain “too reliant” on Russian energy. He stressed that greater unity is needed if pressure on Moscow is to succeed.
Sanctions on the Table
Washington is considering a raft of additional penalties, including 100% tariffs on some imports from China and India, aimed at choking off the revenue stream Russia earns through energy sales. G7 members are drafting a new sanctions package as well, though disagreements inside the EU have slowed progress.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has pressed the White House to take stronger action, telling Sky News this week that only Trump has “enough force to make Putin afraid.” Kyiv argues that tougher U.S. sanctions would complement existing European restrictions and could push Moscow toward serious peace talks.
A Balancing Act for Trump
The president has long insisted he could personally negotiate an end to the war, but since his August meeting with Putin in Alaska he has appeared increasingly frustrated. He said he doesn’t yet see the timing as right to push for a ceasefire, though he promised that if direct talks became necessary, his approach would be “harsh.”
For now, Trump’s message is clear: until European nations cut off Russian oil, Washington’s pressure campaign will remain limited — leaving the war grinding on as allies weigh their willingness to sacrifice energy security for geopolitical leverage.
Source: Bloomberg
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