Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Donald Trump’s deal to import Russian diesel into the United States.
Warning it could help finance Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
Trump announced that Russia would supply hundreds of thousands of tonnes of diesel, with further shipments planned.
The US Treasury has temporarily suspended sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, although other Russian assets in American banks remain frozen.
Zelensky called the agreement “an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged”.
He also accused Russia of repaying the deal with “further terror”, pointing to deadly Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.
But will the agreement actually bring relief to American drivers?
Diplomatic Costs And Supply Concerns
Tim Armitage, an investment strategist at Quilter Cheviot, said the initial shipment was too small to significantly affect US fuel prices.
He described the move as potentially a “slightly desperate move” by Trump to curb inflation ahead of midterm elections.
The deal has also angered European allies.EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas warned that easing sanctions “provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war”.
While Britain said it would maintain pressure on Russia.
Meanwhile, Russia’s ability to deliver the promised quantities remains uncertain.
Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have reportedly cut diesel production significantly.
With fuel prices pressuring American households and Ukraine still under attack, Trump faces a difficult balancing act.
Can cheaper energy be worth the diplomatic cost of easing pressure on Moscow?
