U.S. President Donald Trump has slammed European leaders for spending more on Russian oil and gas than on defending Ukraine, as Kyiv continues its war against Moscow. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused European nations of insincerity, stating, “Europe has spent more money buying Russian Oil and Gas than they have spent on defending Ukraine — BY FAR!”
Trump’s remarks followed a contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which reportedly escalated into a shouting match over U.S. support. Over the weekend, European leaders reiterated their commitment to Ukraine, but Trump dismissed their pledges as ineffective.
Despite the declarations of solidarity, data reveals a stark contrast between Europe’s energy expenditures and its aid to Ukraine. A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) found that EU nations spent approximately €21.9 billion ($23 billion) on Russian fossil fuels in 2024, a marginal 1% decrease from the previous year.
Meanwhile, aid to Ukraine amounted to just €18.7 billion ($19.6 billion), according to the Kiel Institute.
Setting a precedent, the UK recently approved a £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine, funded by profits from frozen Russian assets. However, Russia’s energy revenue remains substantial, with total earnings of €242 billion ($253.8 billion) last year, underscoring Europe’s continued reliance on Russian energy despite its pro-Ukraine rhetoric.
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