US Senator Lindsey Graham has strongly criticized India and China for their continued purchase of Russian oil, asserting that these transactions are indirectly funding the war in Ukraine and leading to the deaths of innocent civilians. Graham's comments come in the wake of recent deadly Russian missile strikes on Kyiv.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Graham directly addressed India, China, and Brazil, questioning how they feel knowing their purchases of cheap Russian oil are contributing to the killing of civilians, including children. He stated that India is already "experiencing the cost of supporting Putin," and warned other nations that they would soon feel the consequences as well.

Graham's remarks reflect increasing frustration in Washington concerning countries that continue to benefit from discounted Russian crude despite Western sanctions. He, along with other US officials, have argued that by purchasing Russian oil, these countries are providing financial support to Moscow's war efforts. He claims that India, China, and Brazil account for approximately 80% of Russia's crude exports, which sustains Russia's military campaign.

The senator's stance is that these countries are making a choice between economic ties with the United States and support for Moscow. To deter the purchase of Russian oil, Graham said that President Donald Trump plans to impose a 100% tariff on oil-related imports from countries that continue to trade with Russia. He had also proposed a bill that would impose a 500% tariff on goods from countries that continue to trade with Russia. The tariffs are designed to cut off financial lifelines to the Kremlin. Graham has warned that the U.S. will "crush your economy" if these countries continue to buy cheap Russian oil.

India has defended its decision to buy Russian oil, pointing out that other nations, including those in the European Union, continue to do so as well. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has responded firmly to recent US-imposed tariffs, calling them “unjustified and unreasonable”. The Trump administration had imposed 50% tariffs on most Indian products.

The Union Commerce & Industry Ministry has stated that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will only have a short-term impact on Indian exports, particularly in sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and machinery, asserting that the long-term effect on overall trade and GDP will remain limited.

The US special envoy on Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said that the recent Russian attacks undermined President Trump's efforts to broker peace, Reuters reported. He noted that the targets were not soldiers and weapons but residential areas in Kyiv, including civilian trains, the EU & British mission council offices, and innocent civilians.