In a fiery address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump accused China and India of being the "primary funders" of Russia’s war in Ukraine, citing their continued purchases of Russian oil and gas as undermining global efforts to end the conflict.
“Let’s be honest — China and India are funding this war,” Trump declared from the UN podium. “Without their money flowing in through energy deals, this war would be much harder to sustain.”
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions over energy diplomacy and global sanctions. While Western nations have attempted to isolate Russia economically, Trump argued that New Delhi and Beijing’s energy imports are keeping Moscow’s war machine alive. He also criticized NATO allies for failing to fully cut off Russian energy supplies, calling it “inexcusable.”
Tariff Threats and Diplomatic Pressure
Trump warned that the United States is prepared to impose a new round of “very strong and powerful tariffs” on Russia if peace negotiations do not begin. He urged European nations to join in the effort, stating that sanctions would only be effective if applied collectively.
India, which remains one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude, has defended its energy ties with Moscow as essential for national interest and energy security. China continues to be Russia’s top energy customer.
Claims of Peacemaking and UN Criticism
Reiterating his controversial claim of having ended seven global conflicts during his previous term, Trump referenced the India-Pakistan standoff and criticized the UN for its lack of involvement.
“I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders of each and every one of these countries, and never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help,” he said. “All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that stopped halfway up.”
Trump also lambasted the UN for allegedly supporting illegal migration and called climate change “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”