Speaking to CNBC on Wednesday, Bessent said he was disappointed with Europe’s position, claiming Brussels had prioritised trade interests despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. “They should do what’s best for themselves, but I will tell you, I find the Europeans very disappointing,” he said. “The Europeans were unwilling to join us, and it turns out, because they wanted to do this trade deal,” he said. “The Russian oil goes into India, the refined products come out, and the Europeans buy the refined products,” Bessent said. The Europeans signed a trade deal with India,” he said, reiterating his criticism.