'Embarrassing': Trump criticizes Europe for buying oil and gas from Russia

"They can't be doing what they're doing (referring to European countries - ed.). They're buying oil and gas from Russia while they're fighting Russia. It's embarrassing to them, and it was very embarrassing to them when I found out about it," Trump said.

The US president noted that NATO countries are effectively funding a war against themselves by continuing to buy Russian oil.

"China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. But inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy and Russian energy products. They’re funding the war against themselves," Trump emphasized.

Trump’s demands on buying Russian oil and gas

Recently, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is ready to impose "serious" sanctions on Russia — provided that NATO countries stop buying energy resources from Russia.

The US president criticized Europe for "not imposing strong enough sanctions" on Russia and for continuing to purchase Russian oil.

In particular, at least eight European Union countries still import Russian gas in varying amounts. There is no precise data on where the purchased Russian gas is being used.

At the same time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she proposes to accelerate the gradual phase-out of fuel imports from Russia. Her statement came after a conversation with Trump.

Poland has also aligned with this position. Polish officials have called on EU countries to stop importing Russian oil by the end of 2026 in order to cut funding for Russia’s military and help Ukraine end the war.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that the European Commission plans to propose a full ban on Russian LNG imports by January 1, 2027, as part of the 19th sanctions package — one year earlier than originally planned.