EU Condemns Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal as “Funding the War”

The European Union has openly criticized US President Donald Trump for temporarily lifting sanctions on Russian diesel. EU leaders warn the move helps Russia finance its war in Ukraine and creates division among allies. The European Council stated it “regrets the decision of the United States to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel.” The statement is brief but carries heavy political weight. All 27 EU member states now show clear opposition to Trump’s approach, as the US president appears to blame Ukraine for high fuel prices ahead of America’s midterm elections. Until now, the EU had avoided direct criticism of Trump’s role in the Ukraine war. But recent actions have changed the mood in Europe. Trump has called for a change of president in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s satellite company Starlink — which provides Ukraine with information about Russian missile and drone attacks — reportedly restricted its service following US pressure. European leaders reacted strongly to the diesel decision. French President Emmanuel Macron said: “The decision that was taken is not good for anyone. It is not true that it will solve the problem of the global diesel market. Therefore, I believe it will not have an impact for President Trump. It sends a negative message and is an element of division — rather, it generates distrust.” Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called the White House decision “incoherent and inconsequent.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he deeply regretted “this agreement on diesel. Obviously, it does not represent a very important part [of supply], but even so, it goes in the wrong direction. Any step that now helps the Russians increase war financing is a bad signal. That is why we fully support the position of Volodymyr Zelenski.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said: “With the signals coming from the US, which go against Ukraine, Europe finds itself in a more unfavorable, more difficult situation regarding our ability to defend ourselves against Russia.” Finnish President Alexander Stubb also disagreed with the US decision. “Of course, 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,” he said. Trump’s aggressive stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski also responds to Ukraine’s refusal to stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure. This comes despite Zelenski agreeing to a possible ceasefire that Russia rejected. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas defended Ukraine’s attacks on Russian fuel refineries, calling them legitimate military targets. “If we consider international law, it is clear that these attacks are a form of defending Ukraine. From these refineries comes the financing of this war that every day ends the lives of Ukrainians,” she said. Zelenski attended the summit of European leaders in Brussels on Friday. After meeting with leaders, he held a press conference and complained about Starlink restrictions requested by Trump. He said the limits prevented Ukraine from “intercepting jet aircraft that attack our civilian population and are killing our families.” “We were using special interceptors that moved at high speed, interceptor drones that move thanks to Starlink. So Starlink was not deactivated, but speed limits were reduced, and by reducing them, we were unable to shoot down certain Shahed drones,” Zelenski explained. According to the Ukrainian leader, the issue may soon be resolved. “The Ministry of Defense and my partners have said there are indications from the White House that they will restore those capabilities. Have they restored the previous speed limits? No, but will they be restored now? Yes.” Ukraine has also complained that it has run out of US-made Patriot missiles for its air defense system, leaving it more vulnerable to Russian ballistic missile attacks. “It is an open secret that, at this moment, we are not a priority destination for these missiles, since they are being sent to the Middle East,” Zelenski said, referring to the conflict started by the United States in Iran. EU countries have also committed to addressing Ukraine’s financing needs for the coming years of war against Russia. “We ask the Commission to present the proposal to address Ukraine’s additional financing needs for 2027,” the European Council conclusions read. In the summit resolution, member states “maintain their commitment to meeting Ukraine’s urgent financial needs together with international partners,” and call for rapidly stepping up support to help meet urgent financial and military needs. Zelenski has said several times that the war with Moscow will cost 155 billion euros next year and that Ukraine will need “at least 70 billion euros more” from the EU for defense and weapons.