Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to buy diesel from Russia, warning that the deal could help Moscow prolong its war against Ukraine and fuel further bloodshed.
Zelenskyy described the agreement announced by Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as “very bad, unfair and dishonest”, arguing that it rewards Russia while the war continues.
Trump announced the deal on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, saying purchases of Russian diesel were necessary to bring down fuel prices in the United States, which have surged amid Washington’s decision to go to war with Iran.
The agreement could trigger fresh tensions between Washington and its European allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), while raising questions about the US commitment to Western efforts to pressure the Kremlin into ending the war in Ukraine.
Trump said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes thereafter.
“Depending on the condition of their diesel refineries, Russia will supply three million tonnes of diesel fuel in a short period,” Trump wrote.
He added that diesel prices in the US and worldwide would fall rapidly, describing lower fuel costs for Americans, particularly farmers, ranchers and truck drivers, as his top priority.
Zelenskyy strongly criticised the agreement, calling it the most welcome “birthday present” for Putin, who turned 74 earlier this week.
In a lengthy social media post, the Ukrainian leader argued that the deal amounted to an investment in a war that should be brought to an end rather than prolonged. He also warned that Russia could respond with further violence and betrayal.
“It benefits Russia, allowing it to kill more people, continue the war for longer, show even less respect for America, and cause greater destruction and losses for the world,” Zelenskyy said.
The deal comes as rising diesel prices threaten Trump and the Republican Party’s political standing ahead of the US midterm elections in November.
Last month, US diesel prices surged to a record US$6.52 (RM26.60) per gallon, adding to pressure on the administration to bring fuel costs down.
