Trump's deal to buy Russian diesel sparks fury in Kyiv and Europe

President Donald Trump announced a massive purchase of Russian diesel fuel on Friday, a decision that has triggered immediate backlash from Kyiv, Congress, and European allies. The move reverses years of Western policy aimed at isolating Moscow financially and undermines recent US sanctions designed to cripple Russia’s war economy.

Trump posted the agreement on his Truth Social platform, stating that Moscow will supply 300,000 Tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 Tons in November and 1,000,000 Tons thereafter. He claimed the influx of fuel will drive down energy costs that have surged since his administration escalated tensions with Iran and forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that previously carried 20% of global oil supplies. Regular gasoline now averages $4.20 per gallon, while diesel recently hit a record high of $6.52.

Trump wrote that “Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my greatest priority.” The price spike has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers ahead of November’s congressional elections. Senate Democrats and Republicans warned that the deal violates a law Trump signed last month, which mandated steep tariffs on Russia’s top oil and gas importers and blocked financial support for Moscow’s military operations. Critics argue the purchase directly funds the war effort in Ukraine and ignores congressional directives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the agreement as unfair and harmful to global security. He argued that the deal provides financial lifelines to a country that continues to attack civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy also said his government was sidelined during the negotiations, calling Ukrainian negotiators “used as a smokescreen for the deal.” He warned that the agreement would allow Russia to wage war longer and inflict greater damage on the world.

The announcement comes as Trump’s envoys meet with European and Ukrainian officials in Miami to discuss potential war-ending proposals. Relations between Washington and Kyiv have grown increasingly strained, particularly after Trump pressured Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities. Despite Russia’s ongoing military support for Iran, including drone components and surveillance data, Trump prioritized immediate domestic fuel relief over longstanding geopolitical alignments.