August 29, 2025

US Senator Lindsey Graham fired a fresh warning on Thursday to countries buying Russian oil. His harsh words named India directly, accusing it of supporting Moscow's war machine through cheap oil imports. On the social media platform X, Graham wrote, “India, China, Brazil and others who prop up Putin's war machine by buying cheap Russian oil: How do you feel right now that your purchases have resulted in innocent civilians, including children, being killed? India is experiencing the cost of supporting Putin. To the rest, you will soon, too.” This sharp public rebuke came just hours after Russia launched one of its deadliest attacks on Kyiv in months. Ukraine officials said missiles and drones hit the capital early Thursday, tragically killing at least 23 people, including four children, and injuring many others. Euro News reported that the strikes damaged the European Union’s diplomatic mission in Kyiv, leading to strong condemnation by European leaders. Britain and the EU even summoned Russian envoys to protest the attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy slammed the strikes as “another massive attack against our cities and communities.” He confirmed rescue workers were still digging through rubble to find survivors. On X, Zelenskyy mourned, “At least 8 people have already been confirmed dead. One of them is a child. My condolences to all their families and loved ones.” US special envoy Keith Kellogg added on X, “The targets? Not soldiers and weapons but residential areas in Kyiv—blasting civilian trains, the EU & British mission council offices, and innocent civilians.” Senator Graham has long blamed Russian oil money for fueling the war. He told NBC’s Meet the Press, “Without oil and gas revenue, Russia collapses… the whole goal is to crush his customers – India, China, Brazil.” Earlier this month, he also warned European allies about hidden Russian oil imports routed through India, saying, “We are watching. This needs to stop now.” His recent comments come amid growing tensions as US President Donald Trump faces criticism in his peace efforts. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised,” referring to the continuing conflict. At the same time, the US and India are locked in a bitter trade dispute. President Trump recently hiked tariffs on Indian exports to above 50%, citing India’s Russian oil imports. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hit back strongly, stating, “What we are concerned about is that red lines are primarily in the interest of our farmers and, to some extent, our small producers. So when people pronounce that we have succeeded or failed, we as a government are committed to defending the interests of our farmers and small producers. We are determined on that. That's not something we can compromise.” India’s Commerce Ministry admitted higher duties would hit exporters in textiles, chemicals, and machinery. A senior official told ANI some sectors will face short-term trade losses and liquidity crunch due to slowed orders and payments. The Associated Press estimated these tariffs could affect $48.2 billion worth of Indian exports to the US, threatening jobs and profits in key industries. The mix of Senator Graham’s stern warning and the tough US tariffs reveals deeper discomfort in US-India ties. Washington blames cheap Russian oil for prolonging the Ukraine war, while New Delhi insists on protecting its farmers and businesses. For now, India finds itself squeezed between the war in Europe and tough trade talks with its old ally the United States.

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Tags: Lindsey graham, India, Russian oil, Ukraine war, Us tariffs, Trade dispute,