Donald Trump defends Russia diesel deal as White House hopes pact can 'soften' Moscow on peace talks
President Trump has come under fire from both Republicans and Democrats for the talks
TL;DR
- President Trump announced Russia would supply diesel to global markets, with US sanctions temporarily lifted on Russian fuel.
- US Senators criticized the deal, stating it may violate a 2022 law supporting Ukraine and could undermine leverage against Russia.
- The White House hopes the deal will "soften" Moscow's position in peace talks.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal a "weak decision" and a "gift to Putin."
- Trump's envoys reportedly told Ukrainians that Russia was not prepared to negotiate an end to the war.
- Some experts doubt the deal will significantly lower US fuel prices.
- Ukraine has expressed skepticism, viewing the US approach as appeasing Russia through business deals.
- A person close to the Kremlin suggested Putin would only return to negotiations upon gaining more Ukrainian territory.