US Official Claims Russian Oil Sales Fund Ukraine Conflict

US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, has accused Russia of financing its military operations in Ukraine through oil sales to nations such as India, China, and Brazil. In a recent interview with Fox News, he called for increased sanctions and tariffs against these countries to exert further economic pressure on Moscow.

Whitaker stated, “The money that’s paying for this war is coming from the sale of Russian oil to countries including India, China, and Brazil.” He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts with the European Union and other nations to communicate that Russia’s continued actions in Ukraine are unacceptable. He added, “I think the next stage involves applying additional sanctions and tariffs to continue increasing the cost of doing business for Russian President Vladimir Putin and reducing his revenue.”

The Ambassador highlighted the urgent need to end the ongoing conflict, stating, “The death and destruction we’re seeing need to end. We need to continue increasing the pressure on Putin to stop the war.” He also pointed out that while a negotiated settlement is crucial, Ukraine has shown a willingness to reach an agreement, including the possibility of freezing front lines in exchange for security guarantees.

Whitaker’s comments come amid ongoing tensions regarding energy trade. The United States has previously criticized India for its purchase of Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs in India responded by labeling the targeting of its nation as “unjustified and unreasonable.” The Ministry asserted that India, like any major economy, will take necessary measures to protect its national interests and economic security.

According to the Ministry’s statement, the European Union engaged in bilateral trade worth EUR 67.5 billion with Russia in 2024, along with an estimated EUR 17.2 billion in trade for services in 2023. The Ministry noted that the trade between Europe and Russia encompasses not only energy but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery and transport equipment.

Furthermore, the United States continues to import critical materials from Russia, including Uranium Hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for electric vehicles, and various fertilizers and chemicals. This reliance highlights the complexity of international trade dynamics amidst calls for sanctions.

The ongoing discussions reflect broader concerns about the international ramifications of energy dependence and the necessity for collaborative responses to geopolitical challenges. Whitaker’s remarks underscore the urgency for nations to reassess their economic ties to Russia in light of the conflict in Ukraine and its far-reaching implications for global security.