US hopes diesel deal can 'soften' Moscow on peace talks, sources say
USO•US envoys told Ukrainian officials that a deal allowing Russia to supply more than 2.25 million barrels of diesel to US and global markets could help restart peace talks. Ukraine left the meeting without a formal agreement but signaled openness to an energy ceasefire if Russia also agreed.
1. Diesel deal and talks
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner told Ukrainian officials in Miami that the diesel deal could help bring Russia back to negotiations. One person familiar with the meeting said the agreement could “soften” Moscow’s position by signaling that the Trump administration is open to working with Russia.
2. Ukraine’s response
The Ukrainians left without agreeing to anything formally, but signaled they would consider an energy ceasefire if Russia also agreed. Kushner reiterated the administration’s request that Ukraine stop striking Russian refineries; the people familiar with the meeting said the Americans did not threaten to cut off US military or intelligence support.
3. Questions over Russia
A person close to the Kremlin said Putin would return to negotiations only when he gets the remaining 11% of Donbas. Ukraine has said it will not cede more territory, but that freezing the conflict along current battle lines could form the basis of a peace deal.
