• Trump urges European leaders to stop purchasing Russian oil funding the war.
• Economic pressure on China discussed during a video conference with European leaders.
• Ukraine's Zelensky criticized Hungary and Slovakia for continuing oil purchases.

On September 4, U.S. President Donald Trump urged European leaders to cease purchasing Russian oil, claiming such actions fund Moscow's ongoing war against Ukraine. This appeal was made during a video conference with leaders in Paris, called as part of the "Coalition of the Willing," led by French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump emphasized that Russia received €1.1 billion in fuel sales from the EU over the previous year, indicating the economic leverage at stake. Trump's comments highlight the frustration stemming from slow diplomatic progress surrounding the Ukraine conflict, according to Reuters and Anadolu Agency.

Moreover, Trump called for European nations to exert economic pressure on China due to its support for Russia, a message reinforced by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who noted Trump's dissatisfaction with the ongoing oil purchases, particularly by Hungary and Slovakia. During the conference, Zelensky also shared concerns about the necessity of additional sanctions against Russia and enhancing protections for Ukraine's airspace. Trump's stance reflects his ongoing endeavor to unify Western leaders against perceived threats, according to India Times, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

Trump's comments arrive amidst increasing scrutiny over Europe's reliance on Russian energy supplies and ongoing military conflict in Ukraine. He has expressed frustration over what he sees as Europe's insufficient response in this regard. Despite previous assertions to act against countries purchasing Russian oil, Trump has yet to impose similar sanctions on China, which remains a critical buyer of Russian energy, as noted by Reuters and Anadolu Agency.