Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern on 17/10 that the lifting of sanctions would continue, believing the diesel deal was just the first step. He was referring to President Donald Trump signing an executive order suspending new sanctions against Russia under the Graham Act.

President Zelensky asserted that such actions by Mr. Trump would not deter Russian President Vladimir Putin. Instead, he believed, "he will feel happy to receive such support."

"Granting sanctions waivers and easing pressure on Russia is a financial reward for Mr. Putin, encouraging him to continue attacking Ukraine," Zelensky wrote in a social media post the same day.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, on 16/10. Photo: AFP

The Ukrainian president stated that his country would continue efforts to end the conflict, aiming to conclude it, rather than "giving Mr. Putin a reason to prolong it indefinitely."

In the latest effort to de-escalate tensions with Russia, President Trump announced on 16/10 that he would postpone a new, broad package of sanctions targeting the Russian economy. He informed the legislature that this move served national interests.

The Graham Act, passed by the U.S. Congress last month, imposed tough sanctions on Russia. These included a 100% tax on nations importing Russian oil, as well as measures targeting the energy sector, financial institutions, and the "dark fleet" allegedly helping Moscow evade Western sanctions.

President Zelensky urged U.S. officials to support the restoration of the act to prevent Russia from intensifying its campaign in Ukraine.

A power outage in Kyiv, Ukraine, on 8/10 after Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Photo: AFP

He stated, "At the very moment Russia launched widespread attacks on our energy sector, a decision was regrettably made in the U.S. to eliminate the Graham Act, which was expected to effectively increase pressure on Russia to end the war." He added, "This act could have provided, and still can provide, significant help. It needs to truly take effect, and every voice of support matters."

President Trump's move was welcomed by Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian President's special envoy, who called it a "significant and historic moment."

A week ago, Mr. Trump announced that the U.S. had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to lower global energy prices. This decision reversed years of efforts to increase pressure on Moscow to end its campaign in Ukraine.

According to Mr. Trump, Russia would immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel, followed by 500,000 tons in November, and 4 million tons thereafter. The U.S. president anticipated this move would help cool diesel prices in the U.S. just before the midterm elections.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, Reuters, Guardian)