US Pressures EU to End Russian Energy Imports as Condition for Tougher Sanctions
The United States has warned European countries that if they want Washington to escalate sanctions against Russia, they must first halt the purchase of Russian oil and gas.
Speaking on the matter, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Moscow’s steady flow of energy revenues continues to bankroll its war effort in Ukraine. “If the Europeans drew a line and said: ‘We’re not going to buy more Russian gas, we’re not going to buy Russian oil’—would that have a positive influence on the US leaning in more aggressively on sanctions? Absolutely,” Wright emphasized.
American Energy as Alternative
Wright argued that Europe has viable options outside of Russian supply. He pointed to US liquefied natural gas (LNG), gasoline, and other energy resources as replacements. He also reminded EU leaders of a standing agreement under which the bloc is expected to purchase around $750 billion worth of American energy by 2028.
According to Wright, this arrangement is not only an economic opportunity for Europe but also a strategic move to secure supplies from allies rather than adversaries. “We think it’s good economically for Europe. You want to have secure energy suppliers that are your allies, not your foes. And the other reason is a huge goal of the Trump administration—and, I believe, of the EU—is to end the Russia-Ukraine war,” he said.
Trump Pushes for Stronger Action
Former President Donald Trump, who has maintained close involvement in shaping Washington’s policy direction, also pressed European leaders to act. In a call on September 4, Trump demanded Europe cut off Russian oil and gas imports completely, insisting that such a step would tighten the financial noose around Moscow and push President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
Trump further urged EU governments to apply greater pressure on China, accusing Beijing of propping up Russia through continued energy purchases. Just days later, on September 7, Trump announced that he was prepared to launch a second phase of sanctions targeting Moscow if Europe showed stronger commitment.
EU’s Dilemma
The warning comes as EU officials debate their own course of action. According to the Financial Times, Brussels is now discussing possible penalties against China and other countries that have been purchasing Russian oil and gas, effectively offsetting Western sanctions.
The situation leaves European leaders in a difficult position: on one hand, many EU economies remain heavily dependent on Russian energy, particularly natural gas; on the other, Washington is insisting that cutting ties with Moscow’s energy sector is the only credible way to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
