Zelenskyy Slams US Move on Russian Diesel: ‘An Investment in War’
World
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised the US decision to authorise transactions involving Russian diesel fuel. He warned that easing sanctions without a long-term de-escalation agreement with Moscow would not bring peace but could allow Russia to prolong the war.
US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russia on supplying diesel to American and global markets. He said the move was intended to lower fuel prices for Americans, including farmers, ranchers and truck drivers.
Zelenskyy described Washington’s decision as an “investment in war.” He argued that easing sanctions without clear, long-term commitments from Russia would benefit Moscow, extend the fighting and increase the damage inflicted on other countries.
The US Treasury Department announced a temporary general licence authorising transactions related to the sale, delivery and importation of Russian diesel. The White House did not specify who would pay for the fuel or when shipments would begin. It also did not clarify whether additional volumes expected in November would arrive before the US congressional midterm elections scheduled for 3 November.
The decision came about a month after Trump signed a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy sector and other industries that finance its war against Ukraine. The arrangement has also raised questions about further sanctions under bipartisan US legislation targeting major importers of Russian oil and gas.
Trump did not mention sanctions or the war in Ukraine when announcing the agreement. Instead, he said lowering prices for Americans remained his top priority.
Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy of the Russian president, welcomed the move. In a post on X, he said Russian-American cooperation on diesel fuel and energy would benefit the world.
Zelenskyy described Washington’s decision as an “investment in war.” He argued that easing sanctions without clear, long-term commitments from Russia would benefit Moscow, extend the fighting and increase the damage inflicted on other countries.
The US Treasury Department announced a temporary general licence authorising transactions related to the sale, delivery and importation of Russian diesel. The White House did not specify who would pay for the fuel or when shipments would begin. It also did not clarify whether additional volumes expected in November would arrive before the US congressional midterm elections scheduled for 3 November.
The decision came about a month after Trump signed a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy sector and other industries that finance its war against Ukraine. The arrangement has also raised questions about further sanctions under bipartisan US legislation targeting major importers of Russian oil and gas.
Trump did not mention sanctions or the war in Ukraine when announcing the agreement. Instead, he said lowering prices for Americans remained his top priority.
Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy of the Russian president, welcomed the move. In a post on X, he said Russian-American cooperation on diesel fuel and energy would benefit the world.
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