'America first': Trump defends Russia diesel deal amid bipartisan backlash

U.S. President Donald Trump defended his administration's decision to allow Russian diesel deliveries to the United States, arguing it was in the interests of American citizens. He criticized the media for avoiding the story, stating the European Union had paid Russia $250 billion for energy. The EU announced fresh sanctions against Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praising the move and linking it to renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy called for sustained economic pressure on Moscow to end the conflict, which has lasted over four years. Trump announced a large Russian diesel supply to the U.S., with over 300,000 tonnes set to arrive immediately, followed by additional shipments. Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the deal, claiming it could benefit the global economy.

The proposed Russian diesel deal has underscored the differing strategies of Washington and Brussels regarding Russian energy supplies.