Trump's Fuel Deal with Russia Draws International Backlash
The US decision to import diesel from Russia in order to lower fuel prices has sparked fierce criticism from Ukraine and European allies.
US President Donald Trump's announcement that diesel will be imported from Russia to lower fuel prices was described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a gift to Putin and met with backlash in the international community.
Decision to Import Diesel from Russia
Donald Trump announced that a diesel import agreement has been made with Russia in order to lower fuel prices and inflation in the US. In this context, it was stated that Russia will immediately send 300,000 tons of diesel in the first stage, 500,000 tons in November, and one million tons thereafter.
While it was reported that the US Department of the Treasury suspended sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin also confirmed that they are ready to supply oil and petroleum products to the US and global markets.
Reactions from Zelenskyy and Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the decision, stating that this agreement is a gift given to Vladimir Putin and an investment in the ongoing war. Recalling the attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv, Zelenskyy argued that Russia will finance these new attacks with this move.
European allies and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that this decision will provide revenue for Moscow to wage war, while the UK reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict sanctions against Russia.