The US State Department’s Hindustani spokesperson, Margaret MacLeod, has reiterated Washington’s commitment to prioritising American workers through the H-1B visa programme while urging nations to scale back trade with Russia, particularly oil imports, in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“H-1B is a policy to prioritise investment in the American IT sector. We want to invest in American citizens, first and foremost, in training them,” MacLeod said on Thursday.
On the issue of Russian oil, she warned that revenues from energy exports were directly fuelling Moscow’s military campaign. “President Trump clearly stated that he wants to end the war between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible. As long as Russia makes income by exporting oil, these resources will be used to purchase weapons. That’s why America wants to minimise trade with Russia,” she explained.
MacLeod also highlighted the guiding principles of US diplomacy, echoing President Donald Trump’s address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “The US government is focusing on three priorities this year—peace, sovereignty, and independence. These principles are not only the foundation of the UN Charter but also the foundation of a prosperous and stable world,” she said, adding that Washington seeks reforms to make the UN “more accountable and equitable.”
During his UNGA speech, Trump accused both China and India of indirectly funding the Ukraine conflict by continuing to purchase Russian oil. His remarks came amid heightened global debate on conflicts and followed Washington’s move to impose an additional 25% tariff on India’s imports of Russian oil—raising the total levy on Indian goods to 50%, among the steepest worldwide.
