US President Donald Trump has directed European leaders to stop transacting business with Russia and China.

During a call on Thursday, September 4, with European leaders at the Coalition of the Willing, President Trump urged them to stop buying Russian oil, a White House official confirmed.

The official added that Trump also stressed that European leaders should increase economic pressure on China “for funding Russia’s war efforts.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 countries are ready to support Ukraine with troops, as well as sea or air forces, under the “Coalition of the Willing.”

He noted that details from the United States are still pending and claimed that Russia has lost over 1 million troops.

At the same time, he added that US support for security guarantees will be finalized in the coming days, and Ukraine will coordinate sanctions on Russia with the US. New sanctions are expected if Russia rejects peace talks.

Trump Urges Europe to Stop Russian Oil, Press China as Coalition of the Willing Supports Ukraine

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said his country is ready to implement security guarantees once a ceasefire is in place, adding that Finland’s military plans are extensive.

He also noted that during discussions, former US President Donald Trump urged joint action on sanctions, with oil and gas supplies also discussed.

On his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said there is consensus that Russia is rejecting all peace initiatives.

He added that an understanding has been reached on a general framework for security guarantees and emphasized that a strong Ukrainian army is central to any such guarantees.

Also Read: China Addresses Trump’s Allegations of Conspiring with Russia, North Korea Against US

Some European countries continue to rely on Moscow to meet their energy needs, helping to fuel Russia’s war machine despite reducing their reliance since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to a February report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

While China, India, and Turkey make up nearly 75% of all Russian fossil-fuel purchases, with a combined $187.3 billion in sales last year, European nations still collectively purchased roughly $25.5 billion worth of them in 2024, according to the report by the Helsinki-based think tank. The US does not import Russian oil.

The figures mean Europe spent more money importing Russian oil last year than it did on financial aid for Ukraine, which was estimated to be roughly $21.7 billion.

Also Read: Trump Launches New Military Operation Hours After Russia and China Pact

China Responds to Trump’s ‘Conspiring’ Warning

This comes after China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un stood together publicly for the first time at a military parade in Tiananmen Square to commemorate the end of World War II.

Putin and Kim flanked China’s leader at the start of the parade, in a deliberate show of unity from three strongmen who have never appeared together in public before.

The event represented a defiant challenge to the US-led world order. In reaction, President Donald Trump accused China, Russia, and North Korea of conspiring against the US.

In a sarcastic post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”

However, in response, China said it is actively developing diplomatic relations with countries around the world, emphasizing that its efforts are not aimed at any third parties.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun clarified, “China has extended invitations to international guests to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the broader fight against fascism.”

“These gatherings serve to honor history, remember our ancestors, cherish peace, and foster a peaceful future alongside like-minded nation. China’s diplomatic development is not intended to confront or oppose any third parties.”

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