‘Obvious weakness’: Zelenskyy slams Trump’s Russian diesel deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern that the easing of sanctions against Russia, without a clear de-escalation agreement, would be an "obvious weakness" that could prolong the war. In a post on X, Zelenskyy called for stronger sanctions, continued support for Ukraine and sustained pressure on Moscow to end the conflict.

Representatives of the US Congress were in Kyiv to discuss how to end the war, and Zelenskyy explained that sanctions under the Lindsey Graham bill, support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia were key. Zelenskyy criticized the recent Russian decision to sell petroleum products, stating that it would only prolong the war and lead to more terror.

He also cited recent Russian attacks in Ukraine, claiming Russia resorted to terror due to its inability to achieve battlefield objectives. Zelenskyy proposed reciprocal de-escalatory steps and expressed confidence that the United States could achieve a compromise. The US President, Donald Trump, announced a deal with Russia to secure diesel supplies, marking a shift in Washington's pressure on Moscow.