China and India’s Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned on Thursday’s episode of Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is being extended by the involvement of China and India.

This follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of a significant peace agreement between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday; however, the situation in Ukraine remains unresolved. Laura Ingraham of Fox posed a question to Bessent about the alleged support from India and China towards Russia.

Ingraham asked, “Do you think this war would still be possible now if China and India weren’t involved in purchasing Russian oil?” Bessent responded emphatically, “Absolutely not.” Ingraham then directly inquired if China and India were “still at war.”

Bessent stated, “They continue to wage war, but I believe that India will start to shift its oil purchases toward American sources in the coming weeks and months.”

Internationally, both India and China have faced criticism for their decisions not to condemn the war and for their significant purchases of Russian oil. Reports indicate that both nations are indeed backing Russia, highlighted by a $1.4 million sales agreement involving a private Indian firm and two Russian companies.

Since beginning his second term, President Trump has frequently engaged with the leaders of these nations, advocating for reduced tensions. In August, it was reported that negotiations were taking place, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio telling Fox that formal peace could be achieved if Ukraine felt secure enough to proceed.

The hopes for concluding the conflict soared after President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15. This awaited meeting followed President Putin’s reluctance to engage directly. Despite Trump’s calls for peace, he decided to have direct talks with Ukraine.

After the summit, however, Russia escalated its attacks on Ukraine, including airstrikes in the Lviv region near Poland, resulting in five fatalities. Trump has issued warnings that the United States will defend Poland and the Baltic states should Russia continue its aggression.