The administration of US President Donald Trump does not plan to impose additional tariffs against China for importing oil from Russia until similar measures are taken by the European Union. This was stated by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This is reported by Business • Media
The US Expects More Active Actions from Europe to Limit Russia’s Revenues
Scott Bessent emphasized the need for a more decisive involvement of EU countries in reducing Moscow’s budget revenues from oil sales. He is convinced that the introduction of secondary tariffs by European countries on buyers of Russian oil could significantly impact the course of the war:
“If Europe were to impose substantial secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil, the war would end in 60 or 90 days, as it would cut off Moscow’s main source of income,” said the minister.
Bessent also stressed that Washington is ready to cooperate with European partners on implementing tougher sanctions against Russian companies, including the oil corporations Rosneft and Lukoil. Additionally, possible steps are being discussed to prepare for the expanded use of frozen Russian sovereign assets that were blocked after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The European Union Delays New Sanctions Package and Seeks Synchronization with the G7
The planned presentation of the 19th EU sanctions package against Russia on September 17 will not take place, and the date for its consideration has not yet been determined. The delay is attributed to pressure from the US and internal disagreements among EU countries—particularly due to Slovakia and Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil supplies.
The European Commission aims to align its approach with G7 countries and develop a joint text of the sanctions package within two weeks. Meanwhile, the EU is concerned that it may become a hostage to the trade war between the US and China if it opts for stricter restrictions.
Brussels does not consider the possibility of a complete withdrawal from the Chinese market for the sake of sanctions against Russia; instead, it plans to focus on companies that circumvent restrictions. European diplomats emphasize that the current position of the US is a signal of determination, but it is the EU that is slowing down the implementation of new measures.