U.S. President Donald Trump, in a conversation with European leaders, stated that Europe should stop purchasing Russian oil, which, according to him, helps Moscow finance the war against Ukraine, reported Reuters, citing an official White House representative. According to Trump, over the year, Russia received 1.1 billion euros from the EU for oil supplies.
Trump also demanded that European leaders exert economic pressure on China for "financing Russia's military actions".
As writes The Washington Post, Donald Trump refused to sign a trade agreement with India until it stops purchasing Russian oil. Sources told the publication that India, as a concession, is ready to significantly reduce tariffs on American goods, but the U.S. president refused to approve any deal option unless New Delhi commits to reducing Russian oil purchases.
After the "coalition of the willing" meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia has lost about a million soldiers killed and wounded in the war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, 26 countries, in the event of a peace agreement, are ready to send either their military or other types of assistance to support Ukraine, including the USA. As Vladimir Zelensky clarified, this will be presence on land, sea, and air.
Earlier, Russia opposed the presence of a foreign contingent in Ukraine. However, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking at the Prague Defense Summit of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, stated that Moscow cannot determine whether the presence of Western troops on Ukrainian territory is permissible in the event of a peace agreement; this decision can only be made by Kyiv.
The "coalition of the willing" in Paris stated that if Russia continues to refuse peace talks, new sanctions will be imposed against it in coordination with the USA.
Photo: TG Vladimir Zelensky