A deal between Moscow and Washington over exports of Russian diesel, combined with fresh U.S. criticism of Ukraine’s leader, marks important political victories for the Kremlin, reversing years of sanctions for its full-scale invasion of its neighbor. While the size of Russia’s diesel exports is relatively small and unlikely to significantly impact prices, the revenue will help Moscow replenish its war coffers and undermine efforts by Kyiv and its European allies to present a united front against President Vladimir Putin.
President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine should get a new leader to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a comment that, along with the diesel deal, strengthens the Kremlin’s hand at a critical junction of the war. Trump also blamed a spike in diesel prices on Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, even as the U.S.-led war in Iran has sent global energy prices soaring.
Mark Galeotti, a Russia expert who heads the Mayak Intelligence consultancy, described the deal that Trump announced Friday as an 'astonishing birthday present' for Putin, two days after he turned 74. He said it was 'a gift for Putin, even if a single barrel of diesel is not exported' because 'it drives another and increasingly thick wedge between Trump and Zelenskyy.'
Trump declared Sunday that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to an 'energy truce' effective immediately, but Zelenskyy said Russia continued attacking Ukraine’s energy facilities. Zelenskyy emphasized he is open to an energy ceasefire only if it includes a halt to Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said contacts are ongoing and Putin could order a ceasefire only on the day of voting.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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