Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised US President Donald Trump’s reported agreement to allow Russian diesel supplies to the United States and global markets, warning that the arrangement could provide Moscow with additional funds to continue its war against Ukraine.
Zelensky argued that allowing Russia to earn revenue from petroleum product exports would strengthen the Kremlin’s ability to sustain military operations instead of encouraging an end to the conflict.
“Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilised world,” Zelensky wrote in a post on social media platform X.
“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,” he added.
Trump Announces Russian Diesel Supply Agreement
Trump announced on Friday that Russia would supply diesel to the United States and international markets under an agreement reached with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said the arrangement would help bring fuel prices down.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described his conversation with Putin as highly successful and outlined the proposed volumes of diesel to be supplied.
“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” Trump wrote.
The US Treasury Department also issued a temporary licence easing sanctions on Russian diesel exports, facilitating the proposed supply arrangement.
The announcement comes amid continuing efforts to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, with energy supplies and sanctions remaining key issues in the wider diplomatic landscape.
Zelensky Questions Timing of Deal Amid Peace Talks
The announcement came while a Ukrainian negotiating delegation was in Florida for two days of discussions with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks focused on possible arrangements to end the war, including a proposed ceasefire that would halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
Zelensky questioned the timing of Trump’s announcement, given that Ukrainian representatives were in the United States to discuss ways to stop the fighting. He suggested that the delegation’s presence in Florida could be serving as a “smokescreen” for the agreement between Washington and Moscow.
Speaking to reporters, the Ukrainian President highlighted the contrast between the ongoing discussions involving Ukrainian and American officials and Trump’s simultaneous engagement with Putin, whom he described as “the leader of this war”.
Zelensky Warns Russian Revenue Could Prolong War
Zelensky maintained that revenue generated through diesel exports could help Russia finance its military campaign and prolong the conflict.
“Means more money for this war, more money to inflict suffering on us, without a doubt,” he said.
“It only feeds Putin and gives him the ability to fight even more,” Zelensky added, describing the agreement as a “weak decision by strong partners”.
His remarks reflect Kyiv’s concern that easing restrictions on Russian petroleum exports could weaken economic pressure on Moscow while diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire continue.