Zelensky criticises Trump-Putin deal on Russian diesel exports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump’s move to strike a deal with Vladimir Putin on exporting Russian diesel to global markets, saying it helps prolong the war.
In a lengthy post on social media, Zelensky wrote that allowing Russia to sell fuel amounts to “investing in war”. He called the move “a weak decision” by partners who, he said, stand with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president also said that while people are talking about peace, the United States is allowing Russia to export diesel. He claimed that, at the same time, Ukraine’s negotiating team is in Florida for two days of talks with US officials on ending the war or reaching a ceasefire, and that the delegation is being used “as cover to mislead public opinion”.
Trump, meanwhile, had earlier claimed he had reached an agreement with Putin under which Russia would supply a “huge volume” of its diesel to bring down prices immediately in global markets and in the US. In a post on Truth Social, he also claimed Russia would send “millions of tons” of diesel to world markets within a short period, saying the move would quickly reduce fuel prices for American drivers, farmers and ranchers.
