Kallas Urges Trump to Drop Russian Diesel Deal
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has urged President Donald Trump to abandon his planned Russian diesel deal and instead join Europe in imposing stronger sanctions on Moscow, arguing that easing pressure would provide Russia with additional revenues during the Ukraine war.
Kallas Urges Trump to Drop Russian Diesel Deal
Kallas said suspending restrictions on Russian diesel would give Moscow more money to finance its military operations and argued that the current moment called for greater, not weaker, economic pressure.
Her comments follow Trump’s announcement that Russia would supply hundreds of thousands of tonnes of diesel to the United States and global markets as part of an effort to bring down fuel prices.
The deal has drawn criticism from European officials and some US lawmakers.
EU Pushes for Coordinated Russia Sanctions
Kallas said sanctions would be more effective if the United States, European Union and United Kingdom acted together.
She urged Washington to align more closely with European measures and supported additional restrictions targeting Russian energy revenues and entities linked to the war.
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss a major new package of sanctions as the bloc seeks to increase pressure on Moscow.
Trump Says Diesel Deal Will Lower Prices
Trump has defended the Russian diesel arrangement as a measure designed to reduce energy costs for American consumers, farmers and businesses.
The US administration has granted temporary sanctions relief for qualifying Russian diesel transactions.
Critics argue that the move risks undermining broader Western efforts to restrict Russian energy income, while supporters of the administration say expanding diesel supply could ease pressure on global fuel markets.
The dispute comes as Washington also promotes an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, although implementation remains uncertain.
