US President Donald Trump has criticised European nations for allocating more funds to purchasing Russian oil and gas rather than supporting Ukraine. Addressing the US Congress, Trump highlighted the financial disparity, emphasising that the United States has contributed significantly more in aid to Kyiv compared to Europe.

"Europe has sadly spent more money buying Russian oil and gas than they have spent on defending Ukraine by far," Trump stated, drawing a direct comparison between the US and European financial commitments in the ongoing conflict.

Trump, who has previously questioned the large sums allocated to Ukraine's defense, reiterated his stance on the issue. "The United States has sent hundreds of billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s defence, with no security, with no way. Do you want to keep it going for another five years?" he asked.

He also cited the devastating human cost of the war, estimating that around 2,000 people were being killed weekly. "They are Russian young people. They’re Ukrainian young people. They’re not Americans. But I want it to stop," he added.

He further claimed that Washington had provided up to $350 billion in aid to Ukraine, while Europe had only contributed $100 billion. "What a difference that is. And we have an ocean separating us. And they don’t," Trump remarked, underscoring his argument that Europe should bear a greater financial burden.

Trump Echoes Jaishankar’s Criticism of European Energy Policies

Trump is not alone in pointing out Europe's stance on Russian energy imports. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has previously criticised Europe’s "double standards," arguing that it cannot prioritise its energy needs while expecting India to act differently.

Jaishankar has repeatedly pointed out that the European Union's oil imports from Russia are six times higher than India’s. He defended India's position, saying, "Europe will make the choices it will make, but for Europe to make choices that prioritise its energy needs and then ask India to do something else is unacceptable."

Jaishankar acknowledged Europe's perspective but insisted that India must act in its own interest. "I also understand Europe has a point of view. And Europe will make the choices it will make—that is Europe’s right. But for Europe to make choices, which prioritise its energy needs, and then ask India to do something else (is unacceptable)," he emphasized.

Ukraine’s Letter to Trump Signals Readiness for Peace Talks

During his address, Trump revealed that he had received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, indicating Kyiv’s willingness to engage in peace negotiations. "The letter reads: 'Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians,'" Trump stated.

Expressing his commitment to facilitating peace, Trump added, "My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts. We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence." He also suggested that discussions with Russia had yielded "strong signals that they are ready for peace."

Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy Over US Aid and Resources

Despite the letter’s conciliatory tone, tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy have remained evident. During a recent meeting in Washington, US Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful for American support. Trump also criticised the Ukrainian leader’s negotiating stance.

The Ukrainian president ultimately left Washington without signing a minerals and security agreement that Trump had been pushing for—an agreement that would have granted the US greater control over Ukraine’s vast natural resources.

Meanwhile, the US has begun pausing military aid to Ukraine, directly affecting arms shipments. According to The New York Times, hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weapons that were in transit to Ukraine have now been halted.

Trump’s speech in Congress has reignited debates over financial commitments to Ukraine, Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, and the path forward for ending the war. While he continues to push for peace negotiations, tensions between Washington and Kyiv remain, particularly over US aid and Ukraine’s strategic resources. With military assistance now being paused, the future of the US-Ukraine relations and broader geopolitical dynamics remain uncertain.