WP reported that Trump's call to NATO could be an attempt to delay sanctions.

US President Donald Trump's call for NATO countries to stop importing Russian oil may be a tactic to delay the adoption of sanctions against Russia, The Washington Post reports.

According to the newspaper, Washington and Europe perceived Trump's latest statement as a tactic to avoid taking action against Russia. At the same time, they also agreed that Europe should finally stop purchasing Russian energy.

"Instead of looking for a solution, this reminds me of looking for an exit," said former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.

Furthermore, the publication writes that the American president's proposal is unlikely to be approved by some members of NATO, which comprises 32 countries. The newspaper named Turkey, Hungary, and Slovakia among these countries.

The day before, Trump wrote an appeal to NATO countries on his social media account, TruthSocial. In it, he expressed his willingness to impose significant sanctions against Russia if all alliance countries agree, follow the US lead, and stop buying Russian oil. Trump believes that NATO countries' continued purchases of Russian oil weaken their negotiating position.

The day before, Trump threatened to "hit Russia very hard with sanctions" and said he was "running out of patience" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Among the possible restrictions, the White House chief mentioned sanctions on banks, oil, and tariffs.

The US tariff on Indian goods was previously 25%, but additional duties imposed by Trump due to New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil took effect at the end of August. The tariff on India now stands at 50%.

The United States is also demanding that the European Union stop importing Russian energy products and replace them with American ones. This is stipulated in the trade agreement between the two sides. Washington reported that Brussels has promised to stop importing Russian gas by the end of next year.

Moscow considers the sanctions illegal.

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