Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal Ignites EU Fury as Zelensky Restarts Refinery Strikes

The European Union has openly condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, with all 27 member states warning the move helps Moscow finance its war in Ukraine [264779]. The European Council stated it “regrets the decision of the United States to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel,” marking the first time the EU has directly criticized Trump’s role in the conflict [264779].

French President Emmanuel Macron said the decision “is not good for anyone” and “sends a negative message and is an element of division” [264779]. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called the White House decision “incoherent and inconsequent,” while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said “any step that now helps the Russians increase war financing is a bad signal” [264779]. Finnish President Alexander Stubb added: “We do not agree with the United States buying diesel from Russia, since diesel and oil are what drive and fuel the Russian war machine” [264779].

The deal, reached between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aims to supply Russian diesel to global markets and lower prices ahead of US midterm elections [260003]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the agreement “unfair” and “unworthy of an ally,” noting it allows Russia to export millions of tons of diesel despite sanctions imposed since the war began in 2022 [260003]. Analysts say the deal is unlikely to bring cheaper fuel and that Putin is pushing for sanctions relief without any demand to stop the war [259511].

In response to the US move, Zelensky has resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries, ending a truce requested by Trump [264127]. Trump condemned the renewed attacks, calling them “a disgrace” [264127]. Zelensky had previously offered to halt strikes on Russian oil infrastructure if Moscow stopped attacking Ukraine’s energy facilities, proposing a 60-day ceasefire that would allow Ukraine to hold elections [260003]. However, Zelensky later said it is “increasingly clear” that Russia does not want an energy ceasefire, after strikes continued to hit energy facilities [260550].

Zelensky traveled to Brussels on Friday to seek support from European allies, requesting an additional €70 billion in aid for 2027 to fund Ukraine’s defense [264118] [264272]. He described the US actions as a “betrayal” and warned that Russia wants to destroy Europe’s existing security structure [264118] [260550].

The Ukrainian leader also complained that Starlink satellite internet service, which provides Ukraine’s military with information about Russian missile and drone attacks, has not been fully restored after restrictions reportedly ordered by the White House [264272]. Zelensky said the speed limits prevented Ukraine from intercepting drones attacking civilian populations [264779]. He added that Ukraine has run out of US-made Patriot missiles for its air defense system, leaving it more vulnerable to Russian ballistic missile attacks [264779].

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas defended Ukraine’s attacks on Russian fuel refineries, calling them legitimate military targets. “From these refineries comes the financing of this war that every day ends the lives of Ukrainians,” she said [264779].

The European Council has asked the European Commission to present a proposal to address Ukraine’s additional financing needs for 2027, maintaining their commitment to meeting Ukraine’s urgent financial requirements [264779].