The European Union's decision to reach a significant trade deal with India was criticized by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who claimed that the move showed that the EU had put business interests ahead of its stated support for the Ukrainian people. In an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, Bessent expressed his disappointment at Europe's decision to proceed with the deal, arguing that Brussels had chosen to pursue trade interests in spite of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated, "I will tell you, I found, I find the Europeans very disappointing, but they should do what's best for themselves."

His comments were made the day after the European Union and India finalized a long-awaited trade agreement that would increase bilateral trade and lessen Europe's dependency on the US in the face of escalating international trade tensions. Tariffs on 96.6% of traded goods by value will be lowered or eliminated under the agreement, which could double EU exports to India by 2032 and save European businesses about 4 billion euros in duties.

According to Bessent, the agreement also clarified why the European Union refused to support Washington's decision to raise tariffs on India last year. "The Europeans were unwilling to join us, and it turns out, because they wanted to do this trade deal," he stated. "So keep in mind that Europeans prioritize trade over the Ukrainian people whenever they discuss the significance of the Ukrainian people."

Bessent continued by accusing European nations of indirectly supporting Russia's war by acquiring refined fuel products derived from Russian crude oil. He claimed that Europe was essentially "financing the war against itself." "Russian oil goes into India, refined products come out, and the Europeans buy the refined products," he said.

The US Treasury Secretary pointed out that even prior to the formal conclusion of the trade agreement, he had voiced similar concerns last week.

He noted in a previous interview with ABC News that, despite Europe moving forward with its trade agreement, Washington had imposed 25% tariffs on India due to its purchases of Russian oil.

"We have imposed 25% tariffs on India's purchases of Russian oil. Can you guess what took place last week? A trade agreement was signed by Europeans and India, according to Bessent. To reiterate, Russian oil enters India, where it is refined and sold to Europeans. They are funding the conflict with themselves.

Bessent added that in an attempt to put an end to the conflict, the Trump administration had put more pressure on Moscow than its European counterparts. He said, "Trump has worked to negotiate a settlement on the Russia-Ukraine conflict," and that America had made "much bigger sacrifices" than Europe.