Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on China, Urges NATO to Cut Russian Oil to End Ukraine War:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a bold call for sweeping economic action to end the war in Ukraine, proposing up to 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and demanding that NATO allies immediately stop purchasing oil from Russia. In a fiery post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump shared what he described as “a letter to all NATO nations and the world.” He argued that only strong, unified economic pressure could bring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to a swift end, accusing NATO of failing to fully commit to defeating Moscow. “I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,” Trump wrote. “Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when?” Trump further urged NATO to impose aggressive tariffs on China—ranging from 50% to 100%—claiming Beijing plays a key role in propping up Moscow’s war efforts. “China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip,” he said, adding that the tariffs could be lifted once the conflict ends. Trump’s remarks sharply criticized President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, blaming them for prolonging the war while largely absolving Russian President Vladimir Putin. “This is not TRUMP’S WAR (it would never have started if I was President!), it is Biden’s and Zelenskyy’s WAR,” he stated. Citing unverified figures, Trump claimed over 7,100 lives had been lost in the past week alone, calling the ongoing violence “crazy” and insisting that his economic approach could end the war quickly. “If NATO does as I say, the WAR will end quickly, and all of those lives will be saved! If not, you are just wasting my time, and the time, energy, and money of the United States.” Rising Tensions Across Europe Trump’s message comes amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe. Last week, Russian drones reportedly entered Polish airspace, prompting quick interception by NATO jets. While Trump dismissed the incident as possibly accidental, European leaders were firm in labeling it a deliberate act of aggression. In response, NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry, reinforcing its eastern flank with air and ground systems from France, Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Britain and France announced fresh sanctions and additional military aid to Ukraine. As Canada chairs the G7 this year, its government has convened finance ministers to explore stronger actions against Russia’s revenue streams. This includes targeting Russian oil exports, which remain a key funding source for the Kremlin's war efforts. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer echoed Trump’s calls during a G7 session, stating: “Only with a unified effort that cuts off the revenues funding Putin’s war machine at the source will we be able to apply sufficient economic pressure to end the senseless killing.” Strained Relations Beyond Russia The Trump administration has also introduced 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% levy in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The move has strained U.S.-India trade talks, delaying efforts to reach a new trade agreement. Meanwhile, fighting in Ukraine has intensified. Russian drone strikes have escalated, while Ukraine has responded with attacks on key Russian infrastructure, including the country’s largest Baltic oil port. As calls for stronger economic action grow, Trump’s aggressive posture is reigniting debate over the role of sanctions, global trade, and NATO unity in resolving the ongoing conflict.

NEWS