‘A Deep Contradiction’ in Europe’s Ukraine StandReacting to the scale and timing of the agreement, Bessent said Europe’s enthusiasm for the trade pact clashes with its vocal support for Kyiv. Russian Oil, Refined Fuel, and Europe’s RoleBessent went on to accuse European nations of indirectly sustaining the war they publicly oppose. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the introduction of Western sanctions, India ramped up imports of discounted Russian crude oil. Trade, European trade, more important than ending the war in Ukraine." While acknowledging Europe’s dependence on imported energy, Bessent framed the issue as a deliberate trade-off.