Zelensky: Ukrainian Peace Team in Florida Used as ‘Smokescreen’ for US-Russia Diesel Deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky harshly criticized the United States on Friday after American President Donald Trump agreed to a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Russian diesel exports. The decision came as Ukrainian peace negotiators were meeting in Florida to discuss ending Russia's full-scale invasion.

Zelensky questioned the credibility of the US negotiation process, stating that while his team was working for peace, Trump was simultaneously providing Putin with economic relief. The Ukrainian delegation, which included high-ranking officials, was negotiating with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as representatives from various nations, to achieve a ceasefire and halt the war.

However, Trump was directly speaking with Putin, allowing Russia to export over 300,000 tons of diesel initially, with additional shipments to follow. Zelensky argued that this decision would provide Moscow with additional revenue while its forces continued attacking Ukraine, fueling the already ongoing conflict. He emphasized that the financial gain for Russia would only serve to prolong the war, rather than ending it, stating that "gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world."