Europe

In contrast with Trumps rhetoric, he placed more sanctions on Russia than any president. During Trumps first term oil imports from Russia declined. Trump increased US oil production from 9 million barrels per day to 13 million and the price of oil dropped from $95 to $70. This hurt the Russia economy. During the Ukraine War the US sent billions to Ukraine in the form of free cash and military equipment while maintaining sanctions. The Europeans sent billions much in the form of loans that must be repaid. Europe purchase of natural gas and oil from Russia was more than the money sent to Ukraine to fight the war. The EU is spending more money on Russian fossil fuels than on financial aid to Ukraine, a report marking the third anniversary of the invasion has found. They are putting money into Putin’s pocket faster than they are taking money out of his pocket. Such is the way the war is going and while it will continue to go as Biden said, for as long as necessary. The bottom line is that they are financing Putin’s war machine with the purchases of oil and gas while they finance the Ukrainians with money and equipment. They are paying both sides to continue the war. It is much like saying we can’t let Putin win because he will take over Eastern Europe and we can’t let him lose because he will use nukes. Some strong leader must stand up and point out the absurdities of it all.