U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his belief that China holds key influence over the Russian Federation in the context of the war against Ukraine. In his view, if European countries impose tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing could compel Russia to cease military actions. Trump also emphasized that the PRC is the largest buyer of Russian oil and has other levers of pressure on Moscow, although he did not provide specific details.
This is reported by Finway
European Approach to Sanctions and Cooperation with China
French President Emmanuel Macron called for considering the possibility of secondary sanctions that would be directly aimed at Russia. He stressed the need for not only general restrictions but also identifying and closing off the ways in which Moscow receives support from third countries. Macron highlighted that the European Union will independently shape its diplomatic policy towards China and defend its independence. According to the French president, the EU’s strategy towards the PRC is focused on reducing risks rather than isolating itself from cooperation.
“This demand is related to the desire of the U.S. president to increase pressure on Russia to force it to come to the negotiating table; this is precisely why I proposed our 19th sanctions package,” noted von der Leyen.
New Sanctions Package and Prospects for Pressuring Russia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that in response to Trump’s call to impose 100% tariffs on India and China, the European Union will make its own decisions by consensus. According to her, the goal of such steps is to intensify pressure on Russia and compel it to agree to negotiations to end the conflict.
Ukraine hopes that the new, 19th sanctions package from the EU will help block the entry of foreign components into Russia that are used for manufacturing weapons employed in attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Additionally, Donald Trump added that a significant reduction in global oil prices could be an alternative way to compel the Kremlin to seek peace. In his opinion, this would serve as a powerful factor of economic pressure capable of influencing the Russian authorities’ stance on continuing the war against Ukraine.