Trump thanks Putin for diesel deal, responds 'Okay' to Zelenskyy's criticism
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Washington has no plans to reconsider the diesel deal with Moscow despite criticism from Kyiv. The White House considers it beneficial because it will bring large volumes of fuel to the US market, US President Donald Trump told reporters.
Trump called the deal with Moscow important for the American economy and made no secret of his satisfaction.
"That is a big deal. That is massive amounts of oil coming into our country. And I want to thank president Putin, to be honest with you," he said.
When reporters told him that Zelenskyy had called the deal a sign of weakness, Trump initially asked who had said that. After hearing the Ukrainian president's name, he limited himself to a brief "Okay."
Later, he was asked again about criticism from Kyiv, including claims that the deal would only prolong the war. This time, Trump gave a more detailed response.
"We are a strong partner. We need oil for the world... We're very happy to get it," he said.
Trump announced the deal on Russian diesel following a phone call with Putin. Moscow is to send up to 1.8 million tons of fuel to global markets, and the US Treasury Department authorized this through a temporary exemption from sanctions.
Kyiv did not welcome the deal. Zelenskyy called it a weak decision by strong partners and said that the Ukrainian delegation, which is currently holding talks in Florida, is being used as a smokescreen. Meanwhile, an informed source in the Ukrainian government told RBC-Ukraine that without an energy truce, strikes on Russian oil refineries will continue, even though Trump has repeatedly called for them to stop.
