UNITED NATIONS,: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused China and India of being the “primary funders” of the Ukraine war due to their continued purchases of Russian oil, during his address to the UN General Assembly.
Trump noted that the US has imposed an additional 25% tariff on India as a penalty for its Russian oil imports, bringing the total US levies on the country to 50%, among the highest globally.
“China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil,” Trump said during his hour-long speech at the General Debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
India has criticized the US tariffs as “unjustified and unreasonable,” asserting that, like any major economy, it will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests and economic security.
Trump also expressed frustration that even NATO members have not significantly reduced their purchases of Russian energy. “Think of it—they’re funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that?” he remarked.
He warned that if Russia refuses to negotiate an end to the conflict, the US is prepared to impose a “very strong round of powerful tariffs” that could quickly halt the bloodshed. For these measures to be effective, he stressed, European nations must adopt identical steps.
“You’re much closer to the conflict than we are. Europe has to step up. They can’t continue buying oil and gas from Russia while opposing it. It’s embarrassing, and it was very embarrassing to them when I found out,” Trump said. “They must immediately cease all energy purchases from Russia, or we’re wasting a lot of time. We’ll be discussing this today with all European nations gathered here.”
Trump concluded by noting, “Sure, they’re thrilled to hear me speak about it, but that’s the way it is. I like to speak my mind and speak the truth.”
