Trump’s Diesel Deal with Russia Blows Up as Zelenskyy Says It ‘Plays Into Russia’s Hands’

US President Donald Trump announced what he called an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, claiming both sides agreed to stop attacking each other's oil refineries, power plants and other energy facilities, effective immediately [260428]. The deal, Trump said, would also bring millions of tons of Russian diesel to the United States and global markets [259519].

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was not aware of any such agreement when Trump announced it [259858]. Within hours, Ukraine reported fresh Russian strikes on energy facilities, including in Kharkiv and the capital, causing power outages [260253][260411]. The Kremlin said it would only consider a one-day ceasefire to allow for an election [260411].

Zelenskyy said it is "increasingly clear" that Russia does not want an energy ceasefire, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin "does not read Truth Social," the site where Trump posted his declaration [260550]. He also warned that Russia wants to destroy Europe's existing security structure and restore domination "to where it was before 1989" [260550].

The diesel arrangement drew bipartisan criticism in the US Senate. Two senators from opposing parties said the deal conflicts with a 2022 law banning Russian fuel imports, warning it could help fund Russia's war against Ukraine [260362]. Washington also warned Kyiv it may lose military aid unless it stops attacking Russian oil refineries, which have pushed up diesel prices and disrupted global energy markets [260184].

Trump defended his decision to ease sanctions on Moscow, saying, "I made the right choice" [260632]. Zelenskyy disagreed, saying the US move "plays into Russia's hands" [260632].

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejected the proposed diesel deal, calling it "out of question" for Germany and the European Union [260418].