Ukraine war: US' Nato envoy accuses India, China of funding Russian offensive; suggests 'additional sanctions'

NEW DELHI: US Ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker on Tuesday claimed that Russia’s military operations in Ukraine are being financed through oil sales to countries including India, China and Brazil. Speaking to Fox News, Whitaker urged for additional sanctions and tariffs on these nations to increase economic pressure on Moscow.He said Russia’s economy is showing signs of weakness and that oil revenues remain its main source of funding for the war. Whitaker stressed that any additional sanctions and tariffs should be coordinated with the European Union and the wider international community to send a clear message that Moscow’s ongoing aggression in Kyiv is unacceptable.“The money that's paying for this war is coming from the sale of Russian oil to countries including India, China and Brazil. I think the next stage involves applying additional sanctions and tariffs to continue increasing the cost of doing business for Vladimir Putin and reducing his revenue,” Whitaker said during the interview, reported by news agency ANI. The US Ambassador added that Russia’s actions are unacceptable and that the ongoing death and destruction must end. He stressed the need to continue increasing pressure on President Putin to stop the war."This is not acceptable. The death and destruction we're seeing need to end. We need to continue increasing the pressure on Vladimir Putin to stop the war," he said. Whitaker emphasized that while a negotiated settlement will eventually be necessary, Ukraine has already shown willingness to compromise by freezing the front lines in return for security guarantees.The US has repeatedly accused India of benefiting from discounted Russian oil, while Indian officials have argued that the country is being unfairly singled out.At the same time, India stresses that the European Union remains a significant buyer of Russian gas and China is the largest importer of Russian crude.New Delhi is also grappling with fresh economic challenges after Washington imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, along with an additional 25% penalty tied to its purchase of Russian oil.Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called the targeting of India “unjustified and unreasonable,” saying the country will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests.The MEA has also highlighted that the EU’s trade with Russia far exceeds India’s. In 2024, the EU’s goods trade with Russia was valued at €67.5 billion, with services worth an estimated €17.2 billion in 2023. European imports of Russian liquefied natural gas reached a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing previous highs.The ministry further noted that Europe-Russia trade covers not only energy but also fertilisers, chemicals, iron and stee, and machinery. It also pointed out that the US continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for electric vehicles and fertilisers and chemicals from Russia.Just hours earlier, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he looks forward to speaking with his “very good friend” Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks, confirming that his administration will continue talks with India to address trade barriers.Responding to Trump’s remarks, Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday said both countries remain committed to advancing discussions“India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership,” PM Modi wrote on X.