Stories
Zelenskyy Slams Trump Russian Diesel Deal and Warns Easing Sanctions Prolongs War
- •Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the US decision to allow Russian diesel supplies onto the global market, calling it a gift to Vladimir Putin.
- •Zelenskyy argued that easing sanctions without a lasting de-escalation agreement shows weakness and prolongs the war by funding Russia's military campaign.
- •Ukraine proposed halting strikes on Russian oil refineries if Russia stops targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
- •The US Treasury issued a temporary general licence authorizing specified transactions involving Russian-origin diesel fuel through April 2027.
- •Zelenskyy urged Washington to maintain a firm position and warned that backroom deals and pressure relief would only invite further Russian terror.
Key Questions Answered
Following a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, an agreement was reached for Russia to supply diesel to the US and international markets. Trump subsequently announced the initial supply would exceed 300,000 tonnes, with more to follow, prompting the US Treasury Department to issue a temporary general licence authorizing transactions involving Russian-origin diesel through April 7, 2027.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly criticized the US decision to allow Russian diesel supplies, calling it a gift to Vladimir Putin and warning that easing sanctions without a lasting de-escalation agreement would prolong the war. He argued that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products plays into Moscow's hands by enabling it to continue its military campaign.
Zelenskyy proposed that Ukraine is prepared to halt its attacks on Russian oil refineries if Russia stops destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He described the proposal as an agreement that Washington has the power to help secure, noting that Ukraine's strikes were originally a response to Russia's long-standing campaign against its energy sector.
