WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump told European leaders on Thursday that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that he said is helping Moscow fund its war against Ukraine, a White House official said.
He joined a call of the “Coalition of the Willing” countries, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, who were meeting on ways to help Ukraine repel Russian invaders.
“President Macron and European leaders called President Trump into their ‘Coalition of the Willing’ meeting,” the official said.
“Trump emphasised that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war — as Russia received 1.1 billion euros in fuel sales from the EU in one year.”
At the same time, the official said, the US president “also emphasised that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russia’s war efforts.”
As the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump hit India badly, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that New Delhi was in talks with Washington for a bilateral trade agreement
Read more: India still eyeing US trade deal as Trump tariffs hit cotton badly
It means the hawkish approach adopted by Trump is working despite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi trying to mend India’s relations with China.
FINALISING US SUPPORT
Later, Macron, who was speaking after the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris, said the US support for Europe-sponsored security guarantees for Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace deal with Russia will be finalised “in the coming days”.
Macron also said that European countries would impose new sanctions on Russia — “in collaboration with the United States” — should Russia continue to refuse a peace deal.
It’s a developing story. Details to follow.