US President Donald Trump believes that if Europe imposed sanctions on China, which buys oil from Russia, then China would pressure the Kremlin to end its war against Ukraine.

Source: Trump in an interview with Fox News; the White House on X (Twitter) 

Quote : "Well, if they [European countries] did sanctions as an example, or tariffs, or whatever you wanna call it, if they did that on China, I think the war would maybe end. 

Because China's by far the biggest purchaser of oil from Russia. And I think they have other powers over Russia too. I

I'm speaking with President Xi, as you know, on Friday... If Europe did something with respect to China, I think China would probably force an end to the war."

.@POTUS: "China's by far the biggest purchaser of oil from Russia... I'm speaking with President Xi on Friday... we'll see how that all works. If Europe did something with respect to China, I think China would probably maybe force an end to the war." pic.twitter.com/4NfsfzlVag

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 18, 2025

Details: Trump said that on Friday 19 September he will hold a conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping regarding a deal on TikTok and trade: "My relationship with China is very good. You know, we have a trade deal with them. We had a very good meeting the other day."

Background:The European Union is planning to accelerate its phase-out of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in response to calls by Trump for the EU to curb energy purchases from Russia.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon !