NextFin news, On Thursday, September 18, 2025, during a joint press conference in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged European countries to stop buying oil from Russia as a critical step toward ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Trump expressed deep disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Putin had "let me down" by failing to end the war despite their previous relationship. He highlighted the devastating human toll of the conflict, noting that thousands of soldiers are killed weekly and emphasizing his humanitarian concern for the millions affected.
Addressing the economic dimension of the conflict, Trump argued that cutting off Russian oil purchases would force Russia to settle the war. "If the price of oil comes down, Putin's going to drop out. He's going to have no choice," Trump said. He criticized European and NATO countries for continuing to buy Russian oil, describing such actions as undermining peace efforts.
Trump also mentioned that he had communicated this position directly to European leaders, who were reportedly surprised by his stance. He called out China as the largest buyer of Russian oil and suggested that European pressure on China could be decisive in ending the war.
In addition to his comments on energy policy, Trump revealed that during his visit he discussed the Ukraine conflict with King Charles III, who expressed concern but was more focused on trade issues. Trump also confirmed ongoing efforts to negotiate a new trade deal with the United Kingdom.
The former president's remarks came amid renewed U.S. military support for Ukraine, including new weapons packages funded by European allies. Despite his disappointment with Putin, Trump's administration has facilitated continued arms shipments to Kyiv through a novel procurement program.
Trump's call for Europe to stop buying Russian oil aligns with broader U.S. efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia to end the war, which began over three years ago. His statements underscore the complex interplay of diplomacy, military aid, and economic sanctions shaping the conflict's trajectory.
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