Zelenskyy resists Trump's Russia diesel deal despite military risk

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 03:19 · Archive

Ukrainian president Zelenskyy has criticised Trump's plan to lift sanctions on Russia to allow diesel imports, calling it a gift to Putin.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised Donald Trump's plan to lift sanctions on Russia to allow diesel imports as Ukraine faces winter and sustained Russian bombardment. Zelenskyy called the deal a 'weak decision' and 'a gift to Putin', warning it will fund Russia's war effort. Trump responded by calling for Ukrainians to replace their leader.

Zelenskyy has approved further drone strikes on Russian refineries despite Trump's demand that Ukrainians 'better damn well stop' striking at Russia's energy industry. The Ukrainian president has grown increasingly critical this year, rebuking European leaders for slow support and openly questioning Trump's approach to the war. According to the Royal United Services Institute, Zelenskyy's defiance carries downsides given Ukraine's dependence on American military support. Some analysts suggest Zelenskyy may be calculating that Trump could emerge weakened from next month's midterms, with some Republicans already breaking ranks over the diesel deal.

How it is being reported

• Why Trump is going for Zelenskyy’s jugularNo matter how much America’s allies urge the president to back Ukraine, he cannot forgive its leader for showing up his dealmaking impotenceFinancial Times · 13 Oct, 05:00
• Zelenskyy’s Trump dilemma: Fight back or fold?Defying the U.S. president risks costing Ukraine vital military support. But giving in could prove even more dangerous.Politico Europe · 13 Oct, 03:00

In this story: Volodymyr Zelenskyy · Donald Trump · Ukraine · Russia · United States

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