Trump’s Deal with Putin Stabs Ukraine in the Back

President Donald Trump has struck a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin that significantly harms Ukraine, according to the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The OFAC announced a license permitting Russia to sell diesel fuel to the United States and worldwide markets. This comes during a week when Russia carried out devastating attacks on Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of over 70 Ukrainian civilians due to Russian missile strikes.

This action by Trump appears to be part of his strategy to liberalize economic ties with Russia and collaborate with Putin. The timing might have been motivated by Trump's desire for lower fuel prices before the midterms. However, given recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and energy shortages in Russia, it is questionable whether Russia can meet the export demands.

In response, President Zelensky has expressed outrage at Trump's weakness. Ukraine may now intensify its drone strikes against Russian refineries and energy infrastructure. This move by Trump is a severe blow to Ukraine and Europe, further widening the gap between US and European interests and values, especially amidst ongoing peace talks involving Ukrainians, Kushner, and Witkoff in Miami.

The outcome of these talks appears doubtful in light of Trump's latest decision concerning Russian diesel fuel.