Donald Trump News / Trump gave a stern warning, 'Zelensky must compromise and Europe must stop buying oil from Russia now'

Donald Trump News: US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stern warning to European countries amid the Russia-Ukraine war. He said that European nations should immediately stop buying oil from Russia, as this purchase is providing funds to Moscow to continue the war. Trump also advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reach a compromise so that this 'absurd war' can end soon. Talking to reporters, Trump stressed, "Zelensky must now reach a compromise with Putin to end the war, and Europe must stop buying oil from Russia."

Trump's remarks came after Russia's recent attacks, including the biggest air strike ever on Ukraine. President Trump, in his Truth Social post, wrote a letter to NATO member countries asking them to completely stop buying Russian oil and impose tough sanctions on Russia. He warned that if NATO countries do not do so, the US will also fail to impose additional sanctions. "I am willing to impose major sanctions on Russia, but only if all NATO nations agree and stop buying Russian oil," Trump wrote.

Pressure on European countries: Sanctions insufficient

Trump had also expressed displeasure over Russian oil purchases in talks with European leaders a day earlier. He said the EU's current sanctions are not stringent enough. According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, European countries have spent about 210 billion euros (about 182 billion pounds) on oil and gas from Russia since 2022, which is proving to be helpful in funding the war. Trump wrote in a letter to NATO, "NATO's commitment to winning the war has been less than 100 percent, and the purchase of Russian oil by some members is shocking."

The European Commission has proposed phasing out Russian oil and gas imports by 2028, but some countries such as Hungary and Slovakia are still dependent on Russia. Trump said the war would end sooner if NATO cut off Russian oil and imposed 50-100 percent tariffs on China. "These powerful tariffs will break China's hold on Russia," he added.

Advice to Zelensky for compromise: Direction of peace talks

Trump sent a clear message to Zelensky that compromise is now imperative. After his meeting with Putin in Alaska in August, Trump suggested Ukraine compromise on Crimea and other territories. "Zelensky has to make a deal," he told Fox News. The Ukrainian president recently insisted on peace talks in a conversation with Trump, but demanded new sanctions on Russia. Zelensky said, "Russia has to change by force."

Trump reiterated his desire to mediate, but emphasized European allies. In a meeting with Zelensky and European leaders at the White House in August, Trump discussed security guarantees, proposing the deployment of European troops. However, the Kremlin has rejected the presence of Western troops.

25% additional tariff on India: 'Unfair' response

Trump's policies are having an impact globally. He imposed an additional 25% tariff on India for Russian oil purchases, in addition to the 25% basic tariff, taking the total to 50%. The move was taken in August, and India called it "unfair and unreasonable". "India will take necessary steps to ensure its energy security, as any major economy would do," the Indian foreign ministry said.

Trump said India was funding the war by buying Russian oil, while India emphasised market factors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promoting 'Make in India', said pressure would be brought to bear. The tariffs could hit India's exports such as pharmaceuticals and jewellery.

China's blunt reply: War not the solution

Trump urged NATO allies to impose 50-100% tariffs on China, alleging that Beijing was providing funds and military capabilities to Russia. China is Russia's biggest oil buyer, the source of 40% of Moscow's export earnings.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded sharply: "China promotes peace talks to resolve complex issues. War is not a solution to any problem, and sanctions will only complicate them." He clarified that "China does not participate in or plan wars." Chinese spokesman Lin Jian described it as "unilateral bullying."

Trump's tactics could hit global trade, but experts say NATO's solidarity is in question. European leaders are wary of tariffs, while Ukraine is demanding more sanctions. Only time will tell whether Trump's warnings will succeed in ending the war.