Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised US President Donald Trump’s decision to allow Russia to supply diesel to the United States and global markets, warning that the arrangement could provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war against Ukraine and undermine efforts to achieve peace.
According to Reuters, Zelensky described the decision as weak and questioned its fairness to Ukraine. His remarks came as Ukrainian officials held discussions with US representatives on possible ways to reach a settlement with Russia.
Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to supply diesel to the United States and international markets. He defended the arrangement by emphasising his priority of reducing fuel prices for American consumers.
Zelensky Questions US-Russia Diesel Arrangement
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Zelensky expressed concern that Russia could continue earning revenue from petroleum sales while its military campaign against Ukraine remained ongoing.
“It is certainly not honest, it is certainly unworthy of our partners, and it is, in my view, a weak decision,” Zelensky said, according to Reuters.
The Ukrainian president also raised concerns that Kyiv could be sidelined in negotiations between Washington and Moscow. He warned that arrangements made without adequately considering Ukraine’s position could weaken efforts to secure a lasting settlement.
“I believe our team is simply being used as a front. And that is certainly not fair, nor is it how partners should treat each other,” he said.
Zelensky Warns Fuel Revenue Could Finance War
In a post on X, Zelensky argued that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products could provide additional financial resources for its military operations.
“Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world,” he wrote.
Describing the arrangement as an investment in the conflict, Zelensky said: “Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged.”
He further warned that Russia could respond to the arrangement with “further terror and perfidy”, according to his statement.
Zelensky called for meaningful de-escalation and reciprocal steps to reduce tensions, maintaining that easing economic pressure on Moscow without tangible progress towards peace could prolong the conflict.
Disagreement Emerges Amid Peace Talks
The controversy comes as Ukrainian and US officials continue discussions on ending the war. While Trump has emphasised the importance of fuel supplies and lower energy costs for American consumers, Zelensky has argued that economic arrangements benefiting Russia should not come at the expense of efforts to end hostilities.
The disagreement highlights the competing priorities facing Washington and Kyiv as diplomatic efforts continue, with Ukraine seeking assurances that decisions involving Moscow will support, rather than undermine, a lasting peace settlement.
