What happened
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized a diesel deal between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it "weak". The deal involves Russia supplying over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to the American and global marketplace, with additional supplies to follow in November and beyond.
Zelenskyy stated that any easing of sanctions against Russia without a clear and lasting de-escalation agreement is an "obvious weakness" that plays into Russia's hands, allowing it to kill more and wage war for longer. He emphasized that Ukraine is ready to take symmetrical de-escalatory steps and proposed an agreement where Ukraine would not target Russian oil refineries if Russia does not destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Trump announced the deal on Truth Social, stating that it would lead to a significant decrease in diesel prices for Americans and the world. He later addressed reporters outside the White House, thanking Putin for his cooperation and calling the deal "massive". When asked about Zelenskyy's criticism, Trump simply replied "Okay".
Zelenskyy's criticism comes amid a backdrop of increased Russian strikes and attacks on Ukrainian cities, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. He emphasized that Ukraine relies on the United States to support their defense of life and people in Ukraine, calling for a "strong conversation" with Russia rather than a weak one.
