U.S. President Donald Trump, departing for a state visit to the United Kingdom, called on European nations to immediately stop purchasing Russian oil and gas to pressure Moscow into ending its war in Ukraine, while stating that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy needs to engage in negotiations.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews just before boarding Air Force One on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Trump reiterated his stance that NATO allies must lead on economic measures against Russia before the U.S. imposes additional sanctions.

"Europe has to stop buying Russian oil – it's shocking how much they're still getting," Trump said, echoing a letter he sent to alliance members over the weekend. He linked the purchases to weakening Europe's leverage, adding that combined with potential 50-100% tariffs on China for its role in facilitating Russian energy exports, the steps could force a breakthrough.

Trump's comments came amid heightened tensions, including Russian drones entering Polish and Romanian airspace this week, prompting NATO scrambles. He praised recent U.S. actions like strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats but emphasized that European energy dependence sustains Russia's war machine. 

Zelenskyy, in an interview with Sky News aired Monday, welcomed stronger sanctions but urged Trump to take "strong personal steps" independently, including providing more air defense systems. "The US is strong enough to take decisions of their own," Zelenskyy said, criticizing a recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska for lacking Ukrainian involvement. He expressed hope that UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would press Trump on security guarantees during the visit.