President Donald Trump recently stated that the Russia-Ukraine war could end if NATO countries stopped buying Russian oil. He also proposed imposing 50-100% tariffs on China for its purchase of Russian petroleum, arguing that China has a "strong control, and even grip, over Russia." 

Writing on Truth Social, Trump called NATO members' purchase of Russian oil "shocking" and said it weakens their negotiating position. He accused the alliance of having a less than 100% commitment to winning the war. Trump believes that a NATO ban on Russian oil, combined with tariffs on China, would "be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR." 

China is the largest buyer of Russian energy, followed by India, and then NATO member Turkey. Hungary and Slovakia, also NATO members, buy Russian oil as well. This statement from Trump comes after drones launched from Russia entered Poland's airspace, a NATO ally, and were shot down.  Trump placed the blame for the conflict on former US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referring to it as "Biden's and Zelenskyy's WAR." He did not mention Russian President Vladimir Putin in his post.

Trump urged NATO to follow his advice, claiming the war would end quickly and save lives. He also referenced a previous action from his administration, which levied 25% tariffs on India with an additional 25% on top of it for its purchase of oil and weapons from Russia.  Before this, a Group of Seven nations' finance ministers discussed in a call on Friday more sanctions on Russia and possible tariffs on countries that they consider "enabling" its war in Ukraine, as the U.S. called on its allies to impose tariffs on purchasers of Russian oil.

Although it’s not a smart move to link Russian oil supplies to the Ukraine war as the war continued for three years and eight months despite sanctions, there is nothing wrong in exploring possibilities for peace in Europe and ensuring the return of Russian and Ukrainian forces back to the barracks.