Trump announces deal to buy Russian diesel, drawing fury from Zelenskyy
President Donald Trump announced on Friday a deal with Russia to purchase large quantities of diesel fuel, a move immediately condemned by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “absolutely terrible” and “not fair and not honest.” The agreement, announced on Truth Social, will see Russia supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to the United States immediately, with further shipments planned in the coming months. Trump said the deal is essential to reduce U.S. fuel prices, which have risen after his decision to go to war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the terms, Russia will deliver another 500,000 tons during November and 1,000,000 tons immediately thereafter, with a total of 3,000,000 tons expected within a short period, contingent on the condition of Russian refineries. The announcement comes as diesel prices hit a record high of $6.52 per gallon last month, and the average gallon of fuel now costs $4.20. Diesel is the main fuel for supply chains, and rising costs are feeding into consumer prices and hurting American farmers, with midterm elections approaching.
Zelenskyy condemns deal as “birthday present for Putin”
Zelenskyy, in a statement released by Ukraine’s embassy in Washington, said the deal “looks like a happy birthday present for Putin,” noting that the Russian leader turned 74 earlier this week. He called it “an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged,” and warned that Russia would likely repay with “further terror and perfidy.” The Ukrainian president accused Trump of using Ukrainian negotiators “as a smokescreen for the deal,” and described it as “a weak decision by strong partners.” He added, “That is certainly not fair. It is certainly not how partners should treat each other.”
The deal has also drawn criticism from U.S. lawmakers. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren, said in a joint statement: “This is what failure looks like. Failure for President Trump to live up to his promises to lower costs for Americans. Failure to protect America from its adversaries.” They also said the deal is a “failure to follow the law and the bipartisan will of Congress,” referring to legislation passed weeks ago that imposed sanctions on Russian banks, officials, and tankers, and directed steep tariffs on importers of Russian oil and gas. Nebraska Republican Congressman Don Bacon wrote on X: “Propping up Putin’s war economy is morally wrong as he uses that money to bomb cities.”
Political and geopolitical fallout
Trump recently criticized Ukraine for attacking Russian diesel refineries and called on Zelenskyy to choose alternative targets, but Zelenskyy rejected the request unless Russia accepted a reciprocal de-escalation plan. Tensions are rising between Russia and Washington’s NATO allies in Europe, with speculation that Moscow might prepare military action to test the alliance’s resolve. Russia supports Iran in its war with the U.S. and is believed to have provided satellite intelligence and drone components to Tehran. The war in Ukraine has lasted four and a half years, with U.S. and Western pressure on the Kremlin to end it.
