In a provocative address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump accused India and China of being the “primary funders” of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine by continuing to purchase Russian oil. He claimed that these energy imports indirectly finance Russia’s military actions, undermining international sanctions and prolonging the conflict. Trump also criticized European nations for hypocrisy, stating that their continued energy purchases from Russia contradicted their support for Ukraine and NATO’s objectives.

Turning his ire towards European leaders, Trump condemned their immigration policies, describing them as a “failed experiment” that had led to societal decline. He asserted that European countries were “going to hell” due to uncontrolled migration and what he termed as the “green scam” of renewable energy initiatives. Trump’s remarks were met with a mixture of applause and stunned silence from the assembly, reflecting the divisive nature of his rhetoric.

The speech marked Trump’s return to the UNGA podium after a six-year hiatus, during which he reiterated his “America First” foreign policy stance. He criticized the United Nations as a “corrupt and harmful institution,” accusing it of fostering an “assault” on Western countries through migration and ineffective climate policies. Trump’s address highlighted his continued focus on nationalist and populist themes, challenging international norms and alliances.

In response to Trump’s accusations, Indian officials maintained that their energy imports were driven by economic considerations and strategic autonomy, rather than support for Russia’s actions. They emphasized India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and its support for international law. The diplomatic fallout from Trump’s remarks is expected to strain U.S.-India relations and complicate efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.