Trump Russia Diesel Deal Draws Ukraine Backlash
US President Donald Trump’s agreement with Russia to supply diesel to American and global markets has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and lawmakers in Washington as the United States battles elevated fuel prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Trump turns to Russian diesel as fuel prices rise
Trump announced that Russia would immediately release more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and further supplies thereafter.
The US Treasury has issued a temporary licence allowing Russian diesel back into global markets despite sanctions imposed over Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Trump said the move, combined with what he described as US “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, would help bring fuel prices down. Diesel prices have risen sharply amid disruption to global energy markets during the US-Iran conflict.
Zelenskyy condemns Russian diesel agreement
Zelenskyy strongly criticised the decision, arguing that increased Russian petroleum revenues could help finance Moscow’s continuing war.
“Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilised world,” Zelenskyy said.
“Russia will ‘repay’ the diesel with further terror and perfidy. Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged.”
Republican lawmaker criticises Trump policy
The agreement has also attracted criticism from within Trump’s Republican Party.
Nebraska Representative Don Bacon said supporting Russia’s energy revenues was “morally wrong” while Moscow continued attacking Ukrainian cities.
“The President’s policies towards Russia and Ukraine are failures. We need moral clarity not moral ambiguity,” Bacon said.
The announcement comes less than a month before the US congressional midterm elections, where high fuel prices have emerged as an important economic and political issue.
