Ukraine war briefing: Russian diesel exports could return to past levels after Trump deal, Moscow claims
Exports could reach 3.5m metric tons a month, deputy PM says, after collapsing amid Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. What we know on day 1,693
TL;DR
- Russia's deputy prime minister, Alexander Novak, claims diesel exports could reach 3-3.5 million metric tons per month by year-end, returning to pre-crisis levels.
- This potential recovery follows Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries and a temporary lift of US sanctions on Russian fuel by the Trump administration.
- The deal has drawn criticism from Ukraine and bipartisan backlash from US lawmakers who argue it provides Moscow with funds for its war effort.
- Trump defended the deal, stating it was a "right choice for the American people" and envoys suggested it was intended to draw Moscow back to negotiations.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed retaliation if Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid continue and indicated Kyiv had paused strikes on Russian energy sites following Trump's truce announcement.
- Russia launched attacks on a residential building near Kyiv and other regions, causing casualties, while Ukraine made progress towards EU membership with the opening of new negotiation clusters.
- Ukrainian legislators passed legislation protecting national minorities, removing a hurdle for EU membership.