Overview

• President Trump said he will pursue major sanctions on Russia only after NATO and EU members stop buying Russian oil, and he urged 50–100% tariffs on China to be lifted once the war ends.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States will not levy additional duties on China over Russian oil purchases unless European allies do so, after he and USTR Jamieson Greer pressed G7 ministers for tighter energy restrictions.
• EU officials note the bloc has slashed Russian oil imports to about 2% and is preparing a 19th sanctions package, yet Hungary and Slovakia still buy Russian crude and Turkey has increased purchases, with little appetite in Brussels for broad tariffs on China.
• Beijing rejected the tariff‑and‑sanctions approach, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi arguing sanctions complicate conflicts and China’s Foreign Ministry warning of retaliatory measures if NATO nations impose duties.
• Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Washington not to wait for others before tightening pressure on Moscow, arguing that delays help the Kremlin prepare and undermine efforts to end the war.