Trump calls on all NATO countries to stop buying Russian oil, threatens 50% to 100% tariffs on China
Basking Ridge (AP): President Donald Trump said Saturday he believes the Russia-Ukraine war would end if all NATO countries stopped buying oil from Russia and placed tariffs on China of 50 per cent to 100 per cent for its purchases of Russian petroleum.
Trump posted on his social media site that NATO'S commitment to winning the war "has been far less than 100%" and the purchase of Russian oil by some members of the alliance is “shocking.” As if speaking to them, he said, “It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia.”
NATO member Turkiye has been the third largest buyer of Russian oil, after China and India. according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Other members of the 32-state alliance involved in purchasing Russian oil include Hungary and Slovakia.
The letter comes at a tense moment in the conflict after the recent flight of multiple Russian drones into Poland, an escalatory move by Russia as it was entering the airspace of NATO ally. Poland shot down the drones. It also comes as the Congress is trying to get him behind a bill toughening sanctions.
Trump in his post said that a NATO ban on Russian oil plus tariffs on China would “also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR.”
The president said that NATO members should put the 50 per cent to 100 per cent tariffs on China and withdraw them if the war that launched with Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine ends.
“China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia," he posted, and powerful tariffs “will break that grip.”
The US president has already placed a 25 per cent import tax on goods from India for its buying of Russian energy products.
In his post, Trump said responsibility for the war fell on his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He did not include in that list Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Jude Bellingham leaves Real Madrid game early with apparent hamstring issue
Madrid (AP): Jude Bellingham appeared to injure his left hamstring and had to be replaced 10 minutes into Real Madrid's home game against Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish league on Sunday.
Bellingham was on his own when he seemed to pick up the injury and quickly asked to be replaced. He immediately grabbed the back of his leg with his left hand before going to the ground. He received medical assistance and seemed emotional as he left the field on his own.
The England international was replaced by Brahim Díaz, who five minutes later assisted in Vinícius Júnior's goal that made it 1-0 for Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
A victory will move Madrid back within one point of league leader Barcelona, which won 3-1 at Elche on Saturday.
The 22-year-old Bellingham has scored one goal in his last seven matches with Madrid. He has six goals for the club this season.
