US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described European countries’ criticism of Washington’s agreement with Moscow on the supply of Russian diesel fuel as hypocritical. In an interview with Fox News on 11 October, he stated that since the start of the full-scale war, Europeans have paid Russia more for energy resources than they have allocated to Ukraine in aid. According to Bessent, Europe continues to fund the Russian economy, yet at the same time criticises the Donald Trump administration for its decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel.
- Scott Bessent accused Europe of hypocrisy over its criticism of the diesel deal with Russia.
- According to him, European countries have paid Russia more for energy resources than they have provided in aid to Ukraine.
- Bessent described Europe’s energy policy as a failure.
- Trump’s deal with Putin has drawn criticism in Europe and amongst US lawmakers.
Bessent accused Europe of funding Russia
US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent during an appearance on Fox News, he criticised the stance taken by European countries on the agreement Donald Trump з Vladimir Putin regarding the supply of diesel fuel.
An American official stated that European countries had been unable to completely phase out Russian energy supplies, despite sanctions policy following the start of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to Bessent, since 2022, Europeans have paid Russia more for energy resources than they have allocated to support Ukraine. He described this situation as the result of the European governments’ failed energy policy.
In the minister’s view, criticism of US purchases of Russian diesel is hypocritical, as Europe itself continues to source energy from Russia.
The US is defending its diesel deal with Russia
Bessent also stated that agreement between Washington and Moscow is in the economic interests of the American people.
According to the minister, Donald Trump’s administration will use all available legal means to implement the agreement.
On 9 October, Trump announced an agreement with Putin to increase supplies of Russian diesel fuel to global markets. The US Treasury Department has issued a temporary licence authorising certain transactions involving Russian diesel until 7 April 2027. The US administration explains this decision as being necessary to curb rising fuel prices.
The European Union has spoken out against easing sanctions
The Trump administration’s decision has drawn criticism from European politicians.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Kaya Kallas She spoke out against easing the sanctions pressure on Russia. She emphasised that now is not the time to relax the restrictions on Moscow.
The European Union imposed an embargo on Russian petroleum products, including diesel fuel, back in February 2023. At the same time, some EU countries continue to import Russian gas and other energy sources.
This dependence remains a subject of debate within the European Union, which is gradually reducing its purchases of Russian energy resources.
