Trump says he will impose sanctions on Putin only if Europe increases pressure on Moscow

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters before departing from Bedminster, New Jersey, for Washington, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"NATO has to get together. Europe has to get together. […] Look, Europe – they're my friends, but they're buying oil from Russia, so we can't be expected to be the only ones that are full bore," Trump said.

He stressed that "the sanctions that they are putting on are not tough enough," adding that he is ready to move in that direction. "But they're going to have to toughen up their sanctions commensurate with what I am doing," Trump said.

"Right now, they're talking and they're not doing," he said.

According to him, European countries continue to purchase Russian oil, including through intermediaries.

"Countries are buying oil from Russia and selling it into certain NATO countries. Not all, but certain substantial NATO countries. That's not the deal," he said.

He also pointed to the deep animosity between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders. "The hatred between [President Volodymyr] Zelensky and Putin is unfathomable. They hate each other so much they can't breathe," he added, explaining why the parties have refused to accept his proposal for negotiations.

On Saturday, September 13, Trump sent a letter to NATO member states stating that he is ready to impose serious sanctions against Russia when all NATO countries agree and start doing the same, and also stop buying oil from Russia.

Photo: The White House