The United States will not impose new sanctions on Russia until Europe stops purchasing its oil and gas, as President Donald Trump believes economic restrictions will not work otherwise.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker made this statement at the Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics in Brussels, according to LIGA.net correspondent.
When asked whether new US sanctions against Russia would indeed be held back until Europe stops buying Russian energy, Whitaker confirmed: "That's exactly right. President Trump believes that if we continue to give Russia European money, the sanctions will not be as effective."
The ambassador said that Poland and the Czech Republic have completely abandoned Russian oil and gas. However, he stressed, countries like Hungary and Slovakia purchase nearly 100% of their energy from Moscow, and Türkiye "also buys too much."
"Of course, it will not be easy. But we must do these difficult things. If the allies seriously want peace, they must kill the Russian military machine. The ball is in the court of the European and Canadian allies," Whitaker concluded.
Europe continues to buy gas and energy from Russia primarily due to existing long-term contracts with "take or pay" clauses, limited immediate alternatives, and the need to maintain energy supply stability amid transition challenges. Despite efforts to diversify and impose sanctions, reliance persists as Europe phases out Russian energy gradually by 2027 while expanding renewable sources and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from other suppliers
