Key facts
- Donald Trump announced a deal to buy Russian diesel fuel from Russia.
- The agreement includes over 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, with 500,000 tons in November and 1,000,000 tons thereafter.
- Russia will deliver an additional 3,000,000 tons of diesel fuel within a short period.
- Trump stated the deal aims to lower diesel prices for Americans and the global market.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the deal 'absolutely terrible' and an 'investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged'.
- Zelenskyy accused Ukrainian negotiators of being 'used as a smokescreen for the deal'.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday a significant agreement to purchase Russian diesel fuel, a move that has ignited strong criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and is poised to create new tensions with Washington's NATO allies. Trump stated on his Truth Social network that the deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin was essential to lower fuel prices in the US, which have surged due to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The agreement stipulates that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to the American and global marketplace, followed by an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1,000,000 tons thereafter. Russia is also set to deliver 3,000,000 tons of diesel fuel within a short period, based on the condition of their refineries.
Zelenskyy expressed his outrage, calling the deal "absolutely terrible," "not fair and not honest," and a "happy birthday present for Putin." He argued that the agreement constitutes an "investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged," and that Russia would likely repay it with "further terror and perfidy." Zelenskyy also stated that Ukrainian negotiators had been "used as a smokescreen for the deal," which he deemed a "weak decision by strong partners."
Democrats criticized the deal for undercutting a recent law imposing sanctions on Russian entities, though Trump has broad discretion to make exceptions. The agreement comes as fuel prices, particularly diesel, have reached record highs, impacting US farmers, ranchers, and truckers, and inflicting political damage on Trump and the Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. The deal also follows rising tensions between Russia and European NATO allies, with speculation about potential Russian military actions.