Trump Criticizes Putin During UK Visit, Urges Europe to Stop Buying Russian Oil
During his UK state visit on September 18, 2025, President Trump publicly criticized Vladimir Putin and urged European nations to halt purchases of Russian oil, linking energy sanctions to ending the Ukraine war.
US President Donald Trump, concluding his state visit to the United Kingdom on September 18, 2025, delivered pointed criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and called on European nations to stop buying Russian oil, arguing that such measures could help end the war in Ukraine.
Trump Criticizes Putin and Calls for Energy Sanctions
At a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, Trump stated that Putin had "let me down," signaling a rare public rebuke of the Russian leader. Trump emphasized that Europe’s continued purchases of Russian oil were undermining efforts to pressure Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. He asserted that if Europe were to impose strict economic actions, such as sanctions or tariffs—particularly targeting China, Russia’s largest oil customer—it could force an end to the conflict. Trump accused European countries of "quietly and slyly" continuing to buy Russian oil, which he said was fueling the Kremlin’s war effort.
Diplomatic Context and Policy Proposals
The press conference followed a day of high-level meetings and ceremonial events, including a new technology investment deal between the US and UK. Trump’s remarks on Russia and energy policy came amid broader discussions on trade, security, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He reiterated his administration’s push for Europe to rapidly end all purchases of Russian oil, stating, "If Russia is not selling oil, they have no choice but to settle."
Trump also suggested that Europe could leverage sanctions or tariffs on China to pressure Beijing into curbing its support for Russia. He argued that China’s role as the primary purchaser of Russian oil gave it significant influence over Moscow, and that coordinated Western action could shift the dynamics of the war.
Reactions and Broader Implications
Prime Minister Starmer and President Trump also discussed other points of divergence, including the issue of Palestinian statehood. The visit was marked by both diplomatic cooperation and public protests in London, reflecting the contentious nature of Trump’s foreign policy positions. The UK government, while aligned with the US on many issues, has maintained its own stance on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Trump’s call for a European embargo on Russian oil comes as the European Union is already moving to phase out Russian energy imports, with a full ban on short-term contracts set to begin next year and a complete phase-out by 2028. However, Trump’s remarks suggest he believes a more immediate and comprehensive halt to Russian oil purchases is necessary to bring about a resolution to the Ukraine war.
The state visit, Trump’s second to the UK, underscored the enduring "special relationship" between the two countries, while also highlighting ongoing debates over the best strategies to address Russian aggression and global energy security.