US President Donald Trump had argued that the UK Prime Minister was behind his condemnation of NATO and EU nations for continuing to buy energy from Russia, even as the West imposes overall sanctions, terming it as a huge obstacle to bringing peace to Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his return to Washington after a state visit to the United Kingdom, Trump said, “The UK Prime Minister was embarrassed about me calling out NATO and EU countries over buying oil from Russia. And he said that’s not good. He appreciated that I said it, but he said that’s not good. How about that?”
Trump further stated that the UK PM Keir Starmer expressed willingness to take action on the issue. “He also agrees to stop buying oil from Russia, and he’s willing to impose sanctions too. And he’s not one of the culprits in terms of Russian oil,” Trump added.
The remarks underscore persistent strains over Europe's energy dependence on Russia, which remains an ongoing source of tension between Washington and a number of NATO allies. Although Trump's comments indicate some private coordination with the UK, Downing Street has not confirmed any new steps formally.
He once more solidified his position that stopping Russian oil exports is key to getting the war over in Ukraine. "Eventually, if oil prices decline, or if Russia is no longer selling oil, they have no other choice but to get out. When EU or Nato countries are purchasing oil from Russia, that's not the best," Trump stated.
Trump also admitted that the conflict in Ukraine has proven to be more complex than he had originally expected. He added that he was "let down" by Russian President Vladimir Putin, although last month he had expressed optimism that their personal relationship could be used to negotiate a peace agreement.
Throughout, Trump has repeatedly denounced NATO and EU nations for what he believes is hypocrisy: availing themselves of US defence umbrella protection while keeping economic relations with Russia via energy sales.
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