Trump is putting pressure on European nations. He wants them to know just how serious he is.
And Europe has been rocked with an ultimatum from Donald Trump that they can’t avoid.
President Donald Trump isn’t mincing words. On Thursday, he laid down the gauntlet to European leaders, calling on them to sever ties with Russian oil and crank up the economic heat on China for bankrolling Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, per what a White Official detailed to the New York Post. This wasn’t just a suggestion—it was a wake-up call from a leader who knows the stakes. Speaking after a high-stakes meeting in Paris with the “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of over 30 European nations united to back Ukraine, Trump made it clear: Europe’s reliance on Russian energy is a betrayal of the fight for freedom.
The Paris summit was a pivotal moment. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, invited Trump to join their “Coalition of the Willing” meeting.
This wasn’t a casual chat. The coalition is laser-focused on supporting Ukraine and forging ironclad security guarantees to end Russia’s brutal invasion. Trump didn’t hold back. As a White House official told the New York Post, “[French] President [Emmanuel] Macron and European leaders called President Trump into their ‘Coalition of the Willing’ meeting. President Trump emphasized that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war — as Russia received $1.3 billion in fuel sales from the EU in one year.”
That $1.3 billion figure is a gut punch. Every barrel of Russian oil Europe buys is another dollar in Vladimir Putin’s war chest, fueling tanks and missiles that devastate Ukrainian cities. Trump’s message was simple: stop feeding the beast. He’s not wrong—Russia’s economy thrives on energy exports, and Europe’s addiction to their oil is keeping Putin’s war machine humming.
But Trump didn’t stop there. He also turned his fire on China, a nation that’s been quietly propping up Russia’s war efforts. The White House official quoted Trump directly: “The President also emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russia’s war efforts.” China’s role as Russia’s economic lifeline isn’t just a side note—it’s a deliberate strategy to undermine the West. By funneling cash and resources to Moscow, Beijing is playing a dangerous game, and Trump’s calling them out.
Let’s talk about the European culprits. Hungary and Slovakia, cozy with Putin, are still guzzling Russian oil, thanks to exemptions from the EU’s 2022 embargo. These nations claim they’re too dependent on Moscow’s crude to quit cold turkey.
Fair enough—energy transitions aren’t easy. But what’s the excuse for France, Belgium, and Spain? These self-proclaimed Kremlin foes accounted for about 85% of Russian liquid natural gas (LNG) imports last year, per the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). That’s not just hypocrisy; it’s a national security failure.
The numbers don’t lie. The IEEFA dropped a bombshell in February, noting, “While the bloc decreased its imports of LNG from the US, Qatar and Algeria last year, those from Russia rose by 18%.” Let that sink in. Europe slashed imports from reliable partners like the United States while boosting Russian LNG by nearly a fifth. This isn’t just bad policy—it’s a slap in the face to allies like America, which has stepped up as Europe’s main LNG supplier.
Trump’s push isn’t just about moral clarity; it’s about opportunity. The U.S. is already Europe’s top LNG provider, but there’s room to grow if Europe fully ditches Russian energy. American workers, from Texas to Pennsylvania, stand ready to fill the gap with clean, reliable LNG. This is a chance for Europe to break free from Putin’s grip and strengthen ties with a trusted ally. It’s a win-win—unless you’re sitting in the Kremlin.
The EU’s response? A proposal in July to phase out Russian oil by January 1, 2028. That’s over two years away—plenty of time for Putin to rake in billions more. The EU also tweaked its price cap on Russian crude, lowering it from $60 to $47.6 per barrel.
For too long, European elites have played both sides—condemning Russia’s invasion while funneling cash to Moscow through energy deals. Trump’s call to action cuts through the diplomatic nonsense. He’s not asking for endless debates or committee meetings; he’s demanding results. The “Coalition of the Willing” is supposed to stand for something—resolve, unity, and a commitment to stopping tyrants like Putin. Buying Russian oil undermines that mission.
China’s role can’t be ignored either. Beijing’s support for Russia isn’t just economic—it’s a geopolitical power play. By backing Putin, China’s testing the West’s resolve, probing for weaknesses. Trump’s urging Europe to hit China with economic pressure isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s about sending a message that the free world won’t tolerate rogue regimes teaming up to destabilize the globe.
The hypocrisy of nations like France, Belgium, and Spain stings the most. These countries talk a big game about standing up to Russia, yet their ports are still unloading Russian LNG. It’s not just about energy needs—it’s about political will. If these nations can’t muster the courage to say no to Putin’s gas, how can they be trusted to stand firm against other threats?
America’s ready to lead by example. Under Trump’s watch, the U.S. has ramped up LNG exports to Europe, proving it’s a reliable partner. But Europe needs to meet us halfway. Cutting Russian oil isn’t just about economics—it’s about values. Every dollar spent on Russian energy is a dollar that prolongs the war in Ukraine and emboldens autocrats like Putin and Xi Jinping.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s had to shake Europe awake. His no-nonsense approach to NATO spending forced allies to step up their defense budgets. Now, he’s doing the same with energy security. The message is clear: stop funding your enemies. Europe’s leaders need to listen, or they risk losing credibility on the world stage.
The clock’s ticking. With Russia’s invasion dragging into its 42nd month, every day counts. Trump’s demand to cut Russian oil and pressure China isn’t just a policy proposal—it’s a moral imperative. The West can’t claim to stand for freedom while bankrolling oppression. Europe needs to choose a side, and it needs to do it now.
In the end, Trump’s leadership is a clarion call. The “Coalition of the Willing” has a chance to live up to its name, but only if Europe acts decisively. Ditch Russian oil, hit China where it hurts, and stand with Ukraine. Anything less is surrender.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
