Washington: US President Donald Trump’s deal to buy diesel from Russia has escalated tensions between the US and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the decision, saying it would benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin and provide financial aid to Russia to continue its war against Ukraine.
Trump announced on the social media platform Truth Social that Putin had agreed to ship large quantities of diesel from Russia to the US and global markets.
According to Trump, Russia will immediately supply more than 3 lakh tons of diesel.
This will be followed by 5 lakh tonnes in November and then 10 lakh tonnes of diesel.
He added that an additional 3 million tonnes of diesel could be supplied in the future, depending on the condition of Russian refineries.
Zelensky called the deal a gift from Putin
Zelensky expressed displeasure at the deal between Trump and Putin.
He described it as a birthday present for Putin and said the decision could help Russia continue the war.
Zelensky said that providing economic benefits to Russia is like investing in a war that must end, not prolong.
He wrote on social media that in return for this economic benefit, Russia could launch further attacks on Ukraine. Zelensky called on the US to continue appropriate support for Ukraine’s defense and to engage in tough negotiations with Russia.
Instead of taking a weak stance toward Russia, the U.S. should build pressure to make real progress toward ending the war, he says.
Trump wants to reduce diesel prices in the US.
The Trump administration says buying diesel from Russia aims to lower fuel prices for American consumers.
The Iran war and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz are said to be the main reasons behind the rise in fuel prices in the US. This sea route is very important for global oil supply.
The rising cost of diesel affects not only drivers but also farmers, truck drivers,s and cargo transporters. As diesel becomes more expensive, the cost of transporting goods increases, which affects common consumers.
Trump said supplies from Russia could sharply lower diesel prices in the U.S. and around the world.
However, experts have raised questions as to whether such a large quantity of diesel can actually be supplied to Russia and whether the deal will bring much relief to American consumers.
Sanctions against Russia may provide temporary relief
An important aspect of the deal is the potential relaxation of US sanctions on Russian diesel exports. According to available information, the US Treasury Department may temporarily suspend restrictions on Russia’s diesel exports until April 7.
However, other restrictions on Russian assets in the US, including some assets held in US banks, are expected to remain in place.
The move is also important as the US and its Western allies seek to weaken Russia’s war-fighting capabilities by imposing economic sanctions.
Being allowed to sell oil and petroleum products could bring additional revenue to Russia. Zelensky fears that the money could be used to continue military operations against Ukraine.
American leaders also criticized the deal.
Ukraine was not the only one to criticize Trump’s decision. Many leaders of the Democratic Party in the United States have also raised questions about the deal.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other lawmakers said the deal appeared to contradict recent steps aimed at limiting oil and gas purchases from Russia.
Some Republican leaders have also expressed concern about Russia’s economic benefits. Republican Congressman Don Bacon said it was wrong to boost Putin’s war economy while Russia was attacking Ukrainian cities.
These reactions show that the decision to purchase diesel from Russia has become a topic of political discussion in America as well.
Tensions rose during the peace talks.
The deal comes as US, Ukrainian,n and European officials are discussing proposals to end the war. Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks with Ukrainian and European officials in Miami.
Zelenskyi alleged that talks by Ukrainian negotiators were used to divert attention from the diesel deal with Russia. He termed this decision a weak step taken by the allies.
Trump and Zelensky have already been at odds on a number of issues. Trump recently criticized Ukraine’s attacks on a Russian diesel refinery, while Zelensky said Russia should take similar steps to stop attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
What will happen next?
On the one hand, the agreement to buy diesel from Russia is an attempt to lower fuel prices in the US, while on the other hand, it questions the Western policy of maintaining economic pressure on Russia.
Now, how much diesel can Russia actually supply, how much price relief is in store for American consumers, and how does the decision affect efforts to end the Ukraine war?
