Donald Trump announced a deal to buy Russian diesel to lower US fuel prices, sparking furious condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who called it 'absolutely terrible' and an 'investment in war,' while also drawing criticism from US Democrats and some Republicans for undermining sanctions against Russia.
Former President Donald Trump announced a controversial agreement to purchase millions of tonnes of Russian diesel, citing the need to reduce soaring US fuel prices, which he attributed to a fictional war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This move immediately drew a furious reaction from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who labeled the deal 'absolutely terrible,' 'not fair and not honest,' and a 'happy birthday present for Putin,' arguing it would prolong Russia's war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy linked the deal to continued Russian attacks, including one that killed 12 people in Zaporizhzhia. The agreement also faced strong criticism from US Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, who stated it undercut sanctions Trump himself had signed, and some Republicans, like Congressman Don Bacon, who called it 'morally wrong' for propping up Putin's war economy. The deal comes amidst rising diesel prices in the US, impacting consumers, farmers, and the supply chain, and as Trump's envoys were simultaneously meeting Ukrainian officials to discuss peace proposals, which Zelenskyy claimed were used as a 'smokescreen.' This development is expected to further strain the already uneasy relationship between Zelenskyy and Trump, who has previously criticized Ukraine for attacking Russian diesel refineries.
