"Any decision to ease sanctions on Russia without a clear and lasting de-escalation agreement is a clear sign of weakness," commented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 9, after US President Donald Trump announced a deal with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin regarding the supply of millions of tons of diesel oil.

According to President Trump's earlier announcement, Moscow agreed to immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel oil to the US and global markets, an additional 500,000 tons in November, and one million tons shortly thereafter. There is also the potential to supply three million more tons in a short period, depending on refinery conditions. Washington also issued a temporary sanction waiver allowing Russian diesel oil to access international markets.

"Such gifts to Putin will not bring peace... Allowing Russia to sell oil products is an investment in war," Zelensky said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Italy on 15/4. *AFP*

The Ukrainian president believes Russia is increasing airstrikes to compensate for not achieving its battlefield objectives. He also sees Russia seeking backdoor deals to reduce sanction pressure and prolong the conflict.

Zelensky stated that this diesel deal is inappropriate as a Ukrainian delegation is negotiating with US officials on a solution to end the conflict. On the same day, he received a bipartisan US congressional delegation in Kyiv, calling for stronger sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine. However, the subsequent exchange between US and Russian leaders led to a different direction.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is ready to take reciprocal steps if Moscow reduces its attacks. Kyiv could cease targeting Russian oil refineries and facilities if the adversary stops targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Kyiv has proposed such an agreement to Washington and believes the US has enough influence to encourage both sides to implement it. A Ukrainian delegation is currently in Florida for two days of negotiations with US officials, aiming to end the conflict or at least reach a ceasefire, starting with Russia and Ukraine halting attacks on each other's energy infrastructure.

According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian delegation in Florida is being used as a "cover" while the US allows Russia to export diesel oil. He called this a "weak decision from strong partners."

The Trump administration's decision also faced opposition from some US lawmakers. Three Democratic senators, Jeanne Shaheen, Chuck Schumer, and Elizabeth Warren, stated that allowing Russian diesel oil imports for six months "completely betrayed Ukraine, European allies, and US national security."

The senators accused Trump of helping to fund Russia's military campaign by trying to limit the impact of rising fuel prices, which stemmed from the war Trump initiated with Iran. They also argued that this decision undermines a bipartisan law passed just weeks ago to restrict Russia's energy revenue.

By Thanh Danh (According to Kyiv Independent, Anadolu)