Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

President Donald Trump has called on Europe to immediately halt the purchase of Russian oil and increase economic pressure on China in an effort to end the war in Ukraine.

Some shit you should know before you read: Despite shitloads of sanctions on Russia attempting to cripple its war economy, the Kremlin continues to finance its war in Ukraine largely through oil revenues, which continue to flow in thanks to ongoing purchases by major countries. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Russia earned over $100 billion from fossil fuel exports in 2023 alone, even under heavy Western sanctions. Major buyers include China, India, and Turkey, with China now accounting for more than 40% of Russia’s crude oil exports and India increasing imports by over 1,000% since the start of the war. While most countries in the EU have phased out purchasing Russian oil, some still continue, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. This sustained flow of petrodollars enables Russia to bankroll its military operations. In response, Ukraine has prioritized targeting Russia’s oil infrastructure, using long-range drones to strike refineries, storage depots, and export terminals (with the goal of economically choking the Kremlin and putting pressure on it to sustain the war).

What’s going on now: During a call with EU leaders and Zelensky, Trump called on European countries to immediately halt the purchase of Russian oil, warning that continued energy trade with Moscow was directly funding its war machine. He pointed to recent figures showing that Russia earned over a billion dollars from EU fuel sales in a single year, and criticized nations like Hungary and Slovakia for continuing imports despite the war.

In the same call, Trump reportedly suggested Europe begin transitioning to American liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other US energy exports as a strategic replacement.

Trump also used the opportunity to call for unified economic action against China, arguing that Beijing’s continued support of Russia (through energy purchases, technology transfers, and diplomatic cover) makes it complicit in the war. He urged European leaders to consider tariffs and export controls targeting Chinese companies involved in supporting Russia, warning that failing to act now would embolden both Moscow and Beijing.

No comment from Russia or China yet.