Part 9/13:
Former President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to NATO allies, announcing he will delay imposing new US sanctions on Russia unless allies cease purchasing Russian oil. In a widely circulated letter on Truth Social, Trump criticized the alliance’s reliance on Russian energy, claiming it weakens their bargaining position and prolongs Moscow’s war effort.
The Oil Sanctions Dilemma
Despite European efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy—especially following the 2022 invasion—many NATO countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Turkey, continue to import Russian crude and gas. These nations cite economic vulnerabilities and existing energy dependencies, complicating collective sanctions efforts.