"Trump Expresses Disappointment Towards Putin: Calls Upon Allies to Cease Purchasing Russian Petroleum"
The European Union (EU) has significantly reduced its reliance on Russian oil, with imports plummeting by approximately 89% since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, some member states continue to purchase Russian oil or refined petroleum products, delaying a unified EU stance on ending Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
The EU-wide import ban on Russian crude oil by ship commenced in 2022, and restrictions on refined products followed in 2023. Yet, exceptions and inconsistent adherence by member states persist, causing a delay in the full standardization of sanctions.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump continues to maintain a cordial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has suggested that a decrease in oil prices would force Putin to withdraw from the war. However, Trump has not specified which European countries he is urging to cease buying Russian energy.
Trump has also praised the UK for not purchasing oil from Russia and has called on European countries to follow suit. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has agreed, stating that some European countries are overly reliant on Russian energy. Starmer has also warned of Putin's recent escalations, involving bloodshed and unprecedented violations of NATO airspace.
In response, officials in Washington have proposed imposing secondary tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries like China and India, as well as other trade restrictions aimed at limiting Russia's energy revenues. These measures also aim to block the transfer of sensitive technologies.
The European Union is still discussing how to expedite its phaseout of Russian LNG imports. The stalled talks between the US and the EU about cutting off energy purchases from Russia have raised questions about Trump's willingness to pressure Russia.
Despite the cordial relationship between Trump and Putin, Trump has expressed feeling 'really let down' by Putin. Trump stated that it makes little sense for the US to take risks while its partners continue to fund Moscow through oil deals. Trump has also hinted at considering other ways to punish the Kremlin, but these measures depend on allies ending their purchases of Russian oil.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led most European countries to halt direct oil purchases from Moscow. However, smaller volumes continue to reach a few landlocked nations in Eastern Europe, including Hungary. The ongoing conflict and the EU's phased phaseout of Russian energy are issues of significant international concern.
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