U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent’s response is likely to leave Europe speechless. Following reports that the United States has refrained from implementing certain sanctions against Russia and continued purchasing Russian diesel, European officials have criticized Washington, accusing it of indirectly supporting Moscow. On October 19, Bessent responded by pointing out that Europe should examine the case of the Yamal liquefied natural gas facility in Russia: during the first six months of this year, the facility shipped 140 cargo batches, 136 of which were delivered to Europe.

These shipments included destinations such as Belgium, Spain, France, and the Netherlands, with a total value exceeding $8 billion. Furthermore, earlier this year, I had urged our European allies to join us in imposing secondary tariffs on China and India—but they declined. Given this, why should the United States bear these burdens alone? Why must the U.S. act unilaterally?

Bessent’s message is clear. First, while Europe accuses the U.S. of aiding Russia by buying Russian diesel, it should reflect on its own actions—Europe’s own purchases of Russian energy far exceed those of the United States. Second, while demanding that the U.S. continue supporting Ukraine, Europe refused to cooperate when Washington sought joint action targeting China and India. Had Europe joined in, it would have dealt a more significant blow to Russia’s energy exports.

When Europe purchased Russian oil, it did so without hesitation. Now, when the U.S. buys a limited amount of diesel, why does Europe object? The U.S. asked for support—and Europe refused. With that history, how can Europe now criticize American actions? From an external perspective, viewed through the lens of U.S. logic, Bessent’s arguments are logically consistent. At bottom, Europe itself exhibits double standards, consistently acting in accordance with its own strategic interests. By highlighting this contradiction, Bessent has effectively exposed Europe’s inconsistency. If Europe is pragmatic, it would now remain silent.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879437686198276/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.