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Zelenskyy furious as Trump announces deal to buy Russian diesel
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Former President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to purchase large quantities of Russian diesel fuel, aiming to reduce soaring fuel prices in the US amid the Iran war's impact on global oil supply.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the agreement, calling it "absolutely terrible," accusing it of prolonging Russia's war efforts and undermining Ukraine and Western allies.
- The deal sparked bipartisan criticism in the US, with Democrats and some Republicans arguing it contradicts recent sanctions legislation and morally supports Russia's war economy.
- The announcement strained relations between Trump and Zelenskyy, with Ukrainian officials feeling sidelined and used as a "smokescreen" during ongoing peace discussions involving US envoys.
- The agreement also risks further complicating US-NATO relations amid heightened tensions with Russia in Europe, especially given Russia's support for Iran against the US.
