Zelenskyy criticises Trump’s Russian diesel agreement, warning it could benefit Moscow as the US seeks relief from rising fuel prices.
Washington/Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a Russian diesel supply agreement, warning that the move could strengthen Moscow’s ability to continue its war against Ukraine. Trump announced the arrangement on October 9 following a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel to American and global markets, followed by 500,000 tons in November and one million tons thereafter. He also outlined a subsequent delivery of three million tons, depending on refinery conditions. Trump presented the agreement as an effort to reduce fuel costs for American farmers, truckers and other consumers.
Zelenskyy described the announcement as “a weak decision by strong partners” and accused Washington of using Ukrainian negotiators as a smokescreen while pursuing the energy arrangement.
The agreement comes amid elevated energy prices linked to the Iran conflict and ahead of November’s US midterm elections. It has renewed questions about Washington’s approach to Russian energy sanctions while efforts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war continue.
According to Associated Press, the US Treasury issued a temporary licence easing restrictions on certain Russian diesel deliveries for six months. However, payment arrangements and other commercial details remained unclear, while energy analysts questioned whether the deal would substantially reduce prices. Trump’s promised price relief therefore remains an expectation rather than a confirmed outcome.
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