U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sept. 23 that he would meet with European officials later in the day to persuade them to stop buying Russian oil and gas.
“Europe has to step it up. They can’t be doing what they’re doing. They’re buying oil and gas from Russia while they’re fighting Russia,” Trump said at the United Nations General Assembly.
He also accused China and India of being “the primary funders” of the war by continuing to purchase Russian oil and called out NATO allies for what he described as failing to cut ties with Moscow’s energy sector.
While Trump has threatened secondary sanctions and tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese exports, only limited penalties have been imposed so far.
Washington imposed a 25% tariff on all Indian imports on Aug. 1, followed by another 25% on Aug. 6 over India’s continued Russian oil purchases. Trump has announced no new measures since, instead urging Europe to take the lead.
“Inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy and energy products — which, as you know, I found out about two weeks ago, and I wasn’t happy. Think of it: they’re funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that one?” Trump said.
American president added that European nations “have to immediately cease all energy purchases from Russia. Otherwise, we’re all wasting a lot of time.” Trump said he would raise the issue directly with EU representatives in meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The remarks follow Trump’s repeated calls in recent weeks for Europe to cut energy ties with Moscow.
Speaking at a dinner in Mount Vernon, Virginia, on Sept. 21, he criticized the purchases as undermining peace efforts, saying: “The Europeans are buying oil from Russia – not supposed to happen, right?”
Trump also pressed U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker to increase pressure on allies, adding: “They have to stop buying oil from Russia, Matt.”
Trump has argued that ending Russia’s energy revenue stream is a prerequisite for tougher U.S. measures. His administration has also pushed G7 members to adopt 50-100% tariffs on Chinese and Indian imports. The White House says such tariffs would pressure Moscow to come to the negotiating table.
Trump’s speech comes as Congress considers a new sanctions package. A bipartisan group of senators introduced the REPO Implementation Act 2.0 on Sept. 19, which would direct frozen Russian assets under U.S. control to Ukraine.
The bill also aims to tighten sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers used to evade restrictions.
“Repurposing Russia’s frozen sovereign assets is a necessary step to ensure Ukraine has the resources to defend itself and rebuild its communities,” Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen said.
Around $300 billion in Russian assets remain frozen globally, most in Europe, where officials remain cautious about transferring the funds to Kyiv. The European Commission is weighing plans to back new EU bonds to cover Ukraine’s financing needs.
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