Trump's call intensified after Russian drones breached NATO airspace over Poland. In a September 13 social media post, he stated: "As you know, NATO’S commitment to WIN has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia. Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are." He conditioned U.S. "major sanctions" on Russia solely on NATO nations halting imports and matching measures.
Privately, Trump urged European leaders last week to cut off Russian oil entirely, per a White House official. Energy Secretary Chris Wright reinforced this, saying countries like Hungary and Slovakia must end dealings, adding, "The more we can strangle Russia’s ability to fund this murderous war, the better for all of us." On September 7, Trump told reporters he's ready for a "second phase" of sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the idea in an ABC News interview, calling tariffs on Russian energy buyers "the right idea," as some partners still import despite the war. Critics warn abrupt cuts could harm recovering European economies.