Trump Slams European Sanctions, Highlights Putin–Zelensky Rift
9/15/2025 7:25:00 AM
US President Donald Trump said he would like to stop the war in Ukraine, but acknowledged that it seems difficult. He stressed that the hatred between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is unimaginable.
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Trump added that Putin and Zelensky are unwilling to speak to each other. He also criticized Europe, saying it continues to purchase Russian oil, even if indirectly, and argued that European countries should enforce tougher sanctions on Moscow.
Trump described the current European sanctions on Russia as insufficient. He emphasized that he is prepared to impose additional measures, but only if Europe strengthens its actions to align with his approach.
“Europe keeps buying oil from Russia, and I do not want them buying oil from Russia. The sanctions they impose are not tough enough, and I am ready to impose sanctions, but they will have to toughen their measures to match what I am doing,” he said.
Trump went on to argue that whether it is natural gas or even cigarettes, European countries should not be buying from Russia while the United States is spending vast sums on aid.
He also highlighted what he views as a financial imbalance within NATO, stating that Washington is only selling weapons to the alliance. “This is really amazing. Biden spent 350 billion dollars, while I spent nothing. In fact, we are making money. But I want to stop the killing,” he said.
Trump further claimed that some NATO member states are still obtaining Russian oil indirectly. According to him, certain key countries are purchasing oil through intermediaries that re-sell it, which he said contradicts the spirit of the agreement within the alliance.
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Trump added that Putin and Zelensky are unwilling to speak to each other. He also criticized Europe, saying it continues to purchase Russian oil, even if indirectly, and argued that European countries should enforce tougher sanctions on Moscow.
Trump described the current European sanctions on Russia as insufficient. He emphasized that he is prepared to impose additional measures, but only if Europe strengthens its actions to align with his approach.
“Europe keeps buying oil from Russia, and I do not want them buying oil from Russia. The sanctions they impose are not tough enough, and I am ready to impose sanctions, but they will have to toughen their measures to match what I am doing,” he said.
Trump went on to argue that whether it is natural gas or even cigarettes, European countries should not be buying from Russia while the United States is spending vast sums on aid.
He also highlighted what he views as a financial imbalance within NATO, stating that Washington is only selling weapons to the alliance. “This is really amazing. Biden spent 350 billion dollars, while I spent nothing. In fact, we are making money. But I want to stop the killing,” he said.
Trump further claimed that some NATO member states are still obtaining Russian oil indirectly. According to him, certain key countries are purchasing oil through intermediaries that re-sell it, which he said contradicts the spirit of the agreement within the alliance.