Trump Urges Europe to End Remaining Russian Oil Purchases
President Donald Trump has once again pressed European nations to cut off all remaining purchases of Russian oil, tying the move to Washington’s broader effort to isolate Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
Speaking at a dinner in Mount Vernon, Virginia, Trump said Europe’s continued reliance on Russian crude and refined fuels undermines pressure on President Vladimir Putin.
“The Europeans are still buying oil from Russia,” Trump remarked, adding that such imports should have ended long ago. The comments came just days after his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where he warned that economic sanctions lose impact if allies keep paying for Russian energy.
While most EU states halted direct Russian oil purchases following the 2022 invasion, loopholes remain. Hungary and Slovakia still rely on the Druzhba pipeline, and the bloc continues to import diesel and other fuels from countries such as India and Turkey, where Russian crude is refined. These shipments now represent just 3% of EU crude imports, down sharply from 27% before the war, according to European Commission figures.
Brussels has already approved a ban on refined products made from Russian crude starting in 2026, with a proposed ban on Russian liquefied natural gas set for 2027. Still, EU officials are considering additional measures to pressure the last buyers in Central Europe to transition away from Russian supplies sooner.
Addressing U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker, who was present at the event, Trump said he expects closer coordination to end the remaining energy ties. “They have to stop buying oil from Russia, Matt. You won’t let it happen much longer,” he said.
The president also expressed personal disappointment in Vladimir Putin, insisting the conflict could be ended if Russia faced greater financial strain. According to Trump, squeezing oil revenues “just a little more” would force the Kremlin to reconsider its war strategy.
Source: Bloomberg
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