Former US President Donald Trump stated in a post on Truth Social, "I'm ready to impose strong sanctions on Russia when all NATO nations agree and act similarly, as well as when they stop buying oil from Russia." He called this a "letter to NATO and the world."
Trump previously expressed being "shocked" that NATO members continue to purchase Russian oil, arguing that this undermines the alliance's leverage in negotiations.
"Anyway, I'm ready to 'act' when you are. Just say when," the former president said, urging NATO to specify a timeframe.
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The former US president at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, 11/9. Photo: Reuters |
The former US president at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, 11/9. Photo: Reuters
He also suggested that NATO members consider imposing 50% to 100% tariffs on Chinese goods as a way to pressure an end to the conflict in Ukraine. "If you do what I say, the war will end quickly. Otherwise, you're just wasting my time," he added.
Neither Russian nor NATO officials have commented on the information.
After leaving the White House, Trump increased his mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine. He held a summit with his Russian counterpart on 15/8 in Alaska and subsequently met with European leaders and President Zelensky at the White House on 18/8.
These events sparked hopes of a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky to discuss measures to end the conflict. Both leaders initially expressed willingness, but subsequent developments suggest that the prospects for peace talks are fragile.
On 2/9, Trump expressed "great disappointment" that Putin had not reached a peace agreement with Ukraine. Zelensky accused Russia of obstructing a summit between the two leaders, while Moscow stated that the agenda for such a meeting was not yet ready.
Last week, Putin warned that Russia would continue its special military operation to end the conflict in Ukraine by force if the parties did not reach a peace agreement. The Kremlin announced on 12/9 that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were "paused," accusing Europe of hindering efforts to end the conflict.
In a Fox News interview on the same day, Trump said his patience with Putin regarding the war in Ukraine was wearing thin, warning that the US "could take strong action."
Hong Hanh (According to AFP)
