Former US President, Donald Trump, has proposed a solution to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that the key lies in oil trade. Trump believes that if all NATO countries stop buying oil from Russia, the conflict could be resolved. He also recommended imposing tariffs of 50% to 100% on China for its purchases of Russian petroleum, aiming to weaken the alliance between the two nations.
In a letter posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump criticized NATO members who continue to purchase Russian oil, labeling it as “shocking.” He expressed disappointment in the defense alliance’s efforts to end the war, describing them as insufficient.
Notably, NATO member Turkey ranks as the third-largest buyer of Russian oil, following China and India. Trump’s remarks come amidst escalating tensions, highlighted by multiple Russian drones breaching Polish airspace, a move that Poland responded to by downing the drones. Trump downplayed the incident, suggesting it could have been a mistake.
While Trump had promised swift action to end the conflict during his presidential campaign, he has yet to apply the necessary pressure to achieve peace. Congress is pushing for tougher sanctions against Russia, as Trump’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska failed to make substantial progress towards peace. The US and its allies are emphasizing a stronger stance against Russia.
During an emergency UN Security Council meeting, acting US ambassador Dorothy Shea reaffirmed America’s commitment to defending NATO territories. She condemned the incursion of Russian drones into Poland, viewing it as a disrespectful act towards US efforts to resolve the conflict.
Britain has also taken steps to penalize the trade of Russian oil, including imposing a ban on 70 vessels involved in its transportation. The UK sanctioned 30 individuals and companies, including entities from China and Turkey, for supplying Russia with military-related components. Trump proposed that a NATO ban on Russian oil coupled with tariffs on China could significantly contribute to ending the conflict.
Trump suggested that NATO members should consider imposing 50% to 100% tariffs on China, with the condition of lifting them once the conflict initiated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine concludes. He emphasized China’s influence over Russia and revealed a 25% import tax on Indian goods due to their purchase of Russian energy products.
Furthermore, Trump proposed negotiations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve differences, as he placed a 50% tariff on Indian imports. Trump attributed the responsibility for the conflict to his predecessor Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, omitting Russian President Vladimir Putin from the blame, despite Putin’s role in launching the invasion.
