January 24, 2025: In a surprising statement during his virtual address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Saudi Arabia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to lower oil prices. According to Trump, reducing oil prices would lead to an immediate resolution of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Expressing his surprise that such a move had not been made earlier, Trump said, “I am also going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down the cost of oil. You have to bring it down, which, frankly, I am surprised they didn't do before the election. That didn't show a lot of love by them not doing it. I was a little surprised by that. If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately.”

Trump argued that high oil prices are indirectly fueling the conflict and suggested that OPEC nations bear some responsibility for the situation. “Right now, the price is high enough that the war will continue. You have to bring down the oil price, you have to end that war. They should have done it long ago. They are very responsible, to a certain extent, for what's taking place. Millions of lives are being lost.”

The U.S. President further proposed that, alongside reduced oil prices, interest rates should also drop globally to ease economic pressures. “With oil prices going down, I’ll demand that interest rates drop immediately, and likewise, they should be dropping all over the world,” he added.

Ahead of his address, Trump reiterated his call for a swift resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, warning of potential economic repercussions for Russia, including the imposition of “taxes, tariffs, and sanctions.” He also reflected on his longstanding admiration for the Russian people and highlighted his previous positive relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump’s comments come amid ongoing international efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, which has resulted in significant global economic and geopolitical tensions. The suggestion that oil prices could play a decisive role in ending the conflict adds a new dimension to the discourse on potential resolutions.

The remarks are likely to spark debates over the role of economic tools in global diplomacy and the responsibility of oil-producing nations in addressing international conflicts.