Zelenskiy warns against normalising deals with Russia after Trump's diesel accord
SPY•Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that a U.S. diesel deal with Russia could lead to further sanctions relief, including on gas, banking, individuals and chemicals. He also said Ukraine could not risk a deal returning frozen Russian assets to Moscow.
1. Zelenskiy's warning
Zelenskiy said the diesel agreement could open the way to further sanctions relief for Russia, including on gas, banking, individuals and the chemical industry. He told reporters in Brussels, “we cannot accept these diesel deals, these agreements, because gas deals will follow. I am absolutely certain of this.”
2. Fuel and frozen assets
Ukrainians have condemned the decision to open the U.S. market to Russian diesel, as the country faces Russian attacks on its power grid and other civilian infrastructure. Officials in Ukraine and Europe said the agreement appeased Vladimir Putin and provided funds for the war, while analysts said it was unlikely to bring sustained lower fuel prices. Zelenskiy also said Ukraine could not risk a deal returning frozen Russian assets to Moscow.
