Trump does not intend to impose sanctions against Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump is unlikely to impose sanctions against Russia, as some European countries will not meet his key demands, The New York Times reports.

The outlet recalled that Trump had previously set conditions for introducing new sanctions against Russia. He said he would only do so if all NATO member states took the same step. He also demanded that all members of the Alliance stop purchasing Russian oil and impose high tariffs on China.

The European Commission promised to work on this issue with its partners around the world. Moreover, during a phone call with European leaders, Trump urged them to reduce purchases of Russian oil as quickly as possible.

The report notes that this condition is almost certain not to be met, something both the U.S. president and his advisors are aware of. The largest European buyers of Russian oil are Hungary and Turkey, and they are unlikely to halt their purchases.

However, many other European countries have significantly reduced imports of Russian oil. Some of them still rely on Russian natural gas, which Trump did not mention, the report added.

Source: UNIAN