Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, labeling it “definitely unfair,” “definitely not partner-like,” and a “weak decision by strong partners.” He accused Washington of secretly negotiating with Moscow while Ukrainian negotiators were engaged in peace talks with American officials in Miami.
In a voice memo sent to Western journalists on Friday, Zelensky alleged that Trump used diplomatic engagements with Ukrainian representatives as a “smokescreen” for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He further stated: “It looks like a happy birthday present for Putin. It looks absolutely terrible,” referring to the Russian leader’s 74th birthday earlier this week.
Trump initially avoided addressing Zelensky’s criticism but later defended the agreement as necessary to address global fuel shortages. The U.S. president stated, “We need oil for the world and this is diesel, which is what we need.”
The sanctions waiver followed a reported “successful discussion” between Trump and Putin, with Moscow agreeing to supply more than 300,000 tons of Russian diesel immediately, followed by additional shipments in November and subsequent months.
Trump has repeatedly blamed Ukraine for exacerbating the global fuel crisis through strikes on Russian oil refineries. During a recent visit to Ireland, he directly demanded that Zelensky halt these operations: “Zelensky has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia… Don’t hit diesel fuel, because that’s hurting the world.”
Despite U.S. warnings, Zelensky pledged to intensify strikes on Russian oil facilities. A senior Ukrainian official stated that Kiev would ignore Washington’s deal with Moscow and “will burn their refineries.”
The fuel shortage has become a critical issue for Trump ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, as U.S. diesel prices surged to record highs above $6.50 per gallon in September.
Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to global markets, expressing confidence in the move’s economic benefits.