Trump has no cards to play on Ukraine

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump's pro-inflation policies, including tariffs, deportations, and his war against Iran, have contributed to soaring diesel prices above $6.25 per gallon, fueling voter anger ahead of the midterm elections.
• Trump struck a controversial deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply Russian diesel to the U.S. market by temporarily lifting sanctions, but the quantities promised are minimal and unlikely to impact global fuel prices.
• Russia’s diesel supply is constrained due to damage to its refineries from Ukrainian drone strikes, which Trump’s deal ignores, while Ukraine continues targeting Russian energy infrastructure, undermining the deal’s feasibility.
• Trump’s announcement of an “energy ceasefire” between Ukraine and Russia was unilateral and rejected by Ukraine, highlighting his misreading of the conflict and further straining U.S.-Ukraine relations.
• The move has drawn bipartisan condemnation and weakened U.S. influence over Ukraine, with European allies stepping up support amid Trump’s alignment with Russia and attempts to shift blame for high fuel prices onto Ukraine.