Expert: US Using Rhetoric to Pressure Russia Amidst NATO Sanctions Warnings

Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad criticized NATO’s recent warnings of sanctions against India, China, and Brazil, labeling them as part of a US pressure campaign against Russia. Awwad stated the US has been unsuccessful in isolating Russia and is now employing such tactics. He believes the US is resorting to rhetoric because they know the conflict will continue and will send more advanced weaponry. This follows comments from NATO chief Mark Rutte, who urged the aforementioned nations to reconsider their economic ties with Moscow or face secondary sanctions if Russia doesn’t engage in peace talks regarding Ukraine. Trump also threatened severe tariffs on countries trading with Russia, echoing Rutte’s concerns. US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal also warned that nations purchasing Russian oil and gas are ‘propping’ up Putin’s war machine, advocating for sanctions.