Zelenskiy Slams US-Russia Diesel Deal as Funding War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has strongly criticized a new US-Russia diesel supply agreement, warning that the deal could provide Moscow with additional financial resources to sustain its ongoing war against Ukraine.

The agreement, announced Friday following a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, would allow Russia to immediately supply diesel to the United States and international markets.

Zelenskiy condemned the decision, describing it as an investment in Russia's military aggression rather than a meaningful step toward ending the conflict.

In a post on X, the Ukrainian leader warned that economic concessions to Moscow would undermine international efforts to achieve lasting peace.

"Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilised world," Zelenskiy wrote.

He argued that allowing Russia to export petroleum products would generate additional revenue that could support military operations against Ukraine. Zelenskiy also warned that Moscow could respond to the agreement with further attacks rather than diplomatic cooperation.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that genuine de-escalation requires reciprocal commitments from Russia, rather than unilateral economic benefits.

Meanwhile, Trump defended the US-Russia diesel agreement, highlighting its potential to reduce fuel costs for American consumers.

In a social media statement, Trump confirmed that Putin had agreed to immediately increase diesel supplies to the United States and global markets. He stressed that lowering energy prices for Americans remains his highest priority.

The announcement came as a Ukrainian delegation was visiting the United States for discussions focused on finding a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking to reporters through WhatsApp later Friday, Zelenskiy expressed frustration over the timing of the agreement, suggesting that Washington's decision could weaken ongoing peace negotiations.

He warned that additional Russian energy revenue could strengthen Moscow's ability to continue military operations while undermining diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Zelenskiy also questioned whether Ukraine's participation in negotiations was being treated seriously by its international partners.

"I believe our team is simply being used as a front," he said, describing the arrangement as unfair to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader ultimately characterized the diesel agreement as "a weak decision on the part of strong partners," underscoring growing tensions over how economic and diplomatic measures should be used to pressure Russia toward peace.