US-Russia diesel deal and Trump criticism of Zelenskyy strengthen Kremlin
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 19:02 · Archive
The Trump administration announced a deal permitting Russian diesel exports, while the president criticised Ukraine's leader.
The Trump administration announced a deal on Friday permitting Russian diesel exports, alongside criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Analysts describe the developments as important political victories for the Kremlin, reversing years of sanctions imposed after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
While Russia's diesel exports are relatively small and unlikely to significantly affect prices, the revenue will help Moscow replenish its war coffers. More significantly, analysts say the deal undermines efforts by Kyiv and its European allies to present a united front against President Vladimir Putin. Trump blamed a recent spike in diesel prices on Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, though analysts note that a US-led war in Iran has sent global energy prices soaring.
Mark Galeotti, head of the Mayak Intelligence consultancy, described the diesel deal as an 'astonishing birthday present' for Putin, whose 74th birthday was two days before Trump's announcement. Although Russia's diesel exports represent 'a drop in the ocean compared with actual overall demand', Galeotti said the symbolic importance lay in how it 'drives another and increasingly thick wedge between Trump and Zelensky'.
How it is being reported
- The Kremlin relishes in the US-Russia diesel deal and Trump's criticism of ZelenskyyA deal between Moscow and Washington over exports of Russian diesel and fresh U.S. criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mark important political victories for the Kremlin.Clickorlando · 12 Oct, 18:31
- The Kremlin relishes in the US-Russia diesel deal and Trump's criticism of ZelenskyyA deal between Moscow and Washington over exports of Russian diesel and fresh U.S. criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mark important political victories for the Kremlin.News4Jax · 12 Oct, 18:31
In this story: Donald Trump · Volodymyr Zelenskyy · Vladimir Putin · Russia · Ukraine · United States · Kyiv
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