President Donald Trump issued a stark condition on Saturday regarding further US sanctions against Russia: all NATO allies must first significantly increase pressure on Vladimir Putin by ceasing their purchases of Russian oil. This statement, delivered amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, immediately drew criticism. Analysts and political commentators pointed out that this approach could inadvertently hinder, rather than facilitate, Trump's stated goal of pressuring Putin to end the hostilities. The delay introduced by this prerequisite, critics argue, could allow Russia to consolidate its position and potentially prolong the war. The strategic implications of Trump's demand are multifaceted, affecting not only the immediate sanctions debate but also the broader transatlantic relationship and the internal dynamics within NATO. The potential economic ramifications for both NATO members and Russia, dependent on their respective levels of oil reliance, are significant and widely debated. Trump's announcement has therefore sparked intense discussion and analysis regarding its impact on the geopolitical landscape and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The effectiveness of this approach in achieving its stated goal remains highly contested.
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Originally published at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/09/13/trump-putin-russia-sanctions/
