US President Donald Trump has said he is ready to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia — but only if all NATO allies first halt Russian oil purchases and implement their own sanctions.
In a post on Truth Social Saturday, which he described as an open letter to NATO and the world, Trump also urged the alliance to consider tariffs of 50–100% on China, arguing such measures would help end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA,” Trump wrote.
He branded NATO nations’ continued purchases of Russian oil “shocking,” saying it undermined their leverage over Moscow. Trump, who met Russian President Vladimir Putin last month at a summit in Alaska, insisted he was prepared to act immediately:
“Anyway, I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when?”
The remarks follow Trump’s repeated threats of additional sanctions — including after Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine last weekend. But his failure to follow through so far has frustrated Kyiv.
Trump further suggested collective tariffs on China, citing its deepening ties with Moscow.
“China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip,” he argued, adding that duties would be lifted once the war ended.
He concluded that if the 32-member NATO alliance acts on his proposal, “the war will end quickly. If not, you are just wasting my time.”
About the author
US Iran war: FG gets N5tn oil windfall amid fuel pain
Nigeria’s Federal Government has earned an estimated N5.13 trillion oil windfall from the surge in global crude prices triggered by the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. However, despite the revenue boost, Nigerians continue to grapple with fuel scarcity, high pump prices and rising transport and living costs. According to industry data cited in the report, the country’s additional crude oil earnings have accumulated over recent months as Brent prices climbed well above earlier budget projections. The war and fears of wider instability in the Middle East have tightened global supply, pushing up prices and generating unexpected income for oil producing nations, including Nigeria. Analysts estimate that Nigeria’s windfall, put at about N5.13 trillion, is based on the difference between the benchmark oil price in the national budget and the much higher average price recorded since hostilities escalated. […]
Dangote Group denies rift with Elumelu, warns of legal action
The Dangote Group has denied reports of a rift between its president, Aliko Dangote, and Tony Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank for Africa, describing the claims as false and malicious. The company said neither Dangote nor the group made any statement suggesting a fallout with Elumelu or disagreements over business dealings. In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, the conglomerate also dismissed viral claims that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals project was funded through personal loans from friends. It described such assertions as a misrepresentation of how the multibillion dollar project was financed and challenged those spreading the story to provide verifiable evidence. The company stressed that Aliko Dangote does not rely on borrowing from friends to fund his investments. It added that suggestions that the refinery is struggling financially or dependent on emergency personal […]
Grandpas arrested for drug trafficking in Abia, Ekiti
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested elderly suspects described as grandpas for alleged drug trafficking in Abia and Ekiti states. The agency said the arrests were made during separate operations targeting the supply and distribution of hard drugs in both states. In Abia State, NDLEA officers apprehended an elderly suspect during a cartel raid linked to the trafficking of methamphetamine and other illicit substances. The operation followed intelligence that the area was being used as a base for storing and moving drugs to other parts of the country. In Ekiti State, another special raid led to the arrest of an 80 year old man identified as Oke Samuel at Mosafuneto camp. He was allegedly found with quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis and other drugs, which were recovered as exhibits during the operation. The agency explained that the […]
Adelabu denies disrespecting Olubadan, calls claim malicious
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has denied claims that he disrespected the Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the allegation as false, malicious and aimed at damaging his reputation. He said at no point during his recent address in Ibadan did he insult, abuse or show any form of disrespect to the revered traditional institution. Adelabu explained that his remarks at the event were misrepresented and taken out of context by political opponents and mischief makers. According to him, those behind the allegation are using the issue to stir unnecessary tension and create a rift between him and the Olubadan ahead of the 2027 political season. The minister stressed that he has a long standing family and personal relationship with the Olubadan and the Ibadan traditional council. He recalled that his family has always held the Olubadan stool in high esteem and […]
Obi, Kwankwaso set to dump ADC for NDC
Former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are set to leave the African Democratic Congress and join the Nigeria Democratic Congress as opposition realignment gathers pace ahead of the 2027 elections. Key figures in the Kwankwasiyya movement say talks with NDC leaders are now at an advanced stage, with only minor details left to be resolved. According to leaders of the Obi Kwankwaso alliance, often called the OK Movement, the decision follows growing uncertainty over the legal and leadership situation in the ADC. They fear that ongoing court cases and internal disputes could weaken the party’s ability to serve as a stable platform for a broad opposition coalition. A prominent Kwankwasiyya chieftain, Saifullahi Mohammed, disclosed that stakeholders from all 44 local government areas of Kano State met at Kwankwaso’s residence and unanimously endorsed the move to the NDC. […]
Judith Audu’s film Evi begins nationwide school tour
Nollywood actress, producer and director Judith Audu has kicked off a nationwide school tour with her award winning film Evi. The project aims to take the movie directly to campuses and secondary schools across Nigeria and use it as a tool for education, inspiration and social change. According to Audu, the tour will begin with screenings across the South East from May 1 before moving to other regions of the country. At each stop, students will watch the film and then take part in discussions about its themes, which focus on values, resilience and the choices young people make in difficult situations. She explained that Evi was created not just as entertainment but as a conversation starter for young Nigerians. By bringing the film directly to schools, she hopes to reach students where they are, encourage dialogue on real life […]
Related
US reiterates recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara
The United States has again reaffirmed its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its support for Rabat’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory. Washington says genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority remains the only realistic basis for a lasting political solution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio restated the position during talks in Washington with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. According to official readouts, Rubio said the US stance, first announced under President Donald Trump in 2020, has not changed. Trump had recognised Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara as part of a deal in which Rabat agreed to normalise relations with Israel. In a message to King Mohammed VI during his second term, he reiterated US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty and described the autonomy proposal as serious, credible and realistic. American officials have repeatedly stressed that they do not […]
Suspicious trades linked to Trump announcements
A pattern of unusual activity has been observed in US financial markets during the second term of Donald Trump. According to an analysis by the BBC, large trading volumes have repeatedly appeared shortly before major public announcements by the president. The findings highlight spikes in trading activity—sometimes just minutes before statements are released—particularly in oil and stock markets. Some analysts suggest these patterns resemble insider trading, where decisions are made based on non-public information. Others argue that experienced traders may simply be anticipating the president’s actions more effectively. One notable case occurred on March 9, 2026. Significant bets were placed on falling oil prices before an interview revealed that the conflict with Iran could be nearing an end. Once the information became public, oil prices dropped sharply, generating substantial profits for those who had taken early positions. A similar situation […]
Meta fined $375m over child safety failures
A court in New Mexico has ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages after a jury found the company misled users about the safety of its platforms for children. The ruling follows a seven-week trial in which jurors concluded that Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, exposed young users to harmful content, including sexually explicit material and contact with predators. Raul Torrez described the decision as “historic,” noting it is the first time a US state has successfully held Meta accountable in court over child safety concerns. The jury determined that the company violated consumer protection laws by misleading the public about safeguards for minors. Evidence presented during the trial included internal documents and testimony from former employees indicating that Meta was aware of risks posed to younger users. Among the witnesses was Arturo Béjar, who testified that […]
Trump says Iran’s new Supreme Leader is alive but “damaged”
United States President Donald Trump says he believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive but “damaged” after the US and Israel’s opening strikes on Iran. Mojtaba, whose father and former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war, has not been seen in public since he was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8. His first comments to the nation were delivered as a written message read out by a television presenter, fuelling speculation about his condition. An Iranian official told Reuters that the new leader was “lightly injured” and continues to function, with state TV referring to him as “war wounded.” Asked about rumours that Mojtaba might be dead or incapacitated, Trump told Fox News’ “Brian Kilmeade Show”: “I think he probably is (alive). I think he is […]
Iran conflict: US embassy warns of possible Abuja protests
The United States embassy in Abuja has warned its citizens about the possibility of protests in Nigeria’s capital linked to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. In a security alert, the embassy said there is a high potential for demonstrations in Abuja on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, noting that previous protests by some groups have led to violent clashes with Nigerian security forces. The embassy advised US citizens in Abuja to remain in their homes on that day, avoid protest areas and large gatherings, and maintain a low profile while monitoring local media for updates. It also urged them to review their personal security plans, keep their phones charged, carry valid identification, and stay alert in public spaces such as markets, malls, and places of worship. The embassy further encouraged citizens to familiarise themselves with emergency exits in […]
Oil Prices Jump Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Global oil prices climbed sharply after Iran intensified strikes across the Middle East, raising fears of disruption to energy supplies. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped 10% on Monday to briefly exceed $82 per barrel following reports that at least three vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. Natural gas prices also surged by up to 25% amid concerns about supply constraints. Iran warned commercial vessels against passing through the strategic waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments transit. Shipping activity at the entrance to the strait has slowed dramatically, with analysts cautioning that a prolonged disruption could drive energy prices significantly higher. In the UK, the FTSE 100 opened nearly 1% lower, with airline shares hit by widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. European markets experienced sharper losses: France’s CAC […]