During a recent call with world leaders, President Donald Trump pressed European countries to stop purchasing Russian oil, stressing that these transactions are helping to finance the continued war in Ukraine.
Trump asserted that Europe’s ongoing energy trade with Moscow remains a central obstacle to efforts to end the conflict. He also encouraged European leaders to apply economic pressure on China to deter financial or material support for Russia’s war effort.
According to a White House official, Trump’s message was direct: any meaningful push for peace requires reducing Russia’s income from energy exports.
Security guarantees and allied roles
The virtual meeting, which included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from the “Coalition of the Willing,” centered on potential ceasefire arrangements and future security guarantees for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that a credible peace deal would need three pillars: strengthened Ukrainian defense forces, European troop deployments if necessary, and a firm American security guarantee.
Macron told reporters that U.S. involvement is crucial for the credibility of future security measures, noting that “in the coming days we will finalize American support for these security guarantees.”
Limited U.S. military commitments
While Trump reiterated his willingness to see American support for Ukraine’s post-war security, he signaled reluctance to send U.S. ground troops. Discussions have included possible American roles such as manned air support missions, but Trump’s team insists that Europe should take the leading role in providing direct security.
Recent statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this approach, highlighting U.S. openness to limited engagement and focusing the commitment on air and logistical support rather than deployments.
Sanctions and targeting global trade
President Trump has also called for further action to cut off Russia’s revenue by targeting countries that continue to buy Russian oil. He cited his administration’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian oil imports as a measure to pressure economies that enable Russia’s finances.
Ukrainian President Zelensky echoed the message, noting that secondary sanctions and trade restrictions on all nations trading with Russia remain under consideration.
Ongoing diplomatic efforts
As diplomatic momentum stalls and military operations continue, frustration has emerged within the Trump administration over both Russia’s actions and divisions among Western allies on how to apply pressure.
European and American officials remain engaged in negotiations, with security, energy, and sanctions forming the basis of ongoing talks. The next steps hinge on whether international partners can align their strategies to weaken Russia’s wartime economy and create the conditions necessary for credible negotiations.
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Source: edition.cnn.com | axios.com | axios.com
