Zelenskyy says US will keep easing Russia sanctions: Diesel deal was just the first step
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
The US will continue easing sanctions on Russia. The diesel deal was just the first step, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said while speaking to journalists.
"I believe the lifting of sanctions against Russia will continue. The diesel deal is the first step," Zelenskyy said.
In his view, such moves will not stop Russian leader Vladimir Putin. On the contrary, Putin feels encouraged by the support he is receiving.
"But we really hope the US president will do everything possible to make Putin stop the killings, halt strikes on our energy infrastructure, and end this war. You can't achieve that by tying Ukraine's hands when we respond to Russia killing our people, and lifting sanctions definitely won't work either," the Ukrainian president stressed.
US-Russia diesel deal
Recently, the US Treasury Department authorized the supply of Russian diesel fuel, temporarily exempting the trade from sanctions until April 7, 2027.
Russia will supply millions of tons of diesel fuel to the US and global markets. The US Treasury issued a temporary license allowing Moscow to resume shipments.
Russia expects to restore diesel exports to 3–3.5 million tons per month by year-end. Moscow says this would bring exports back to pre-crisis levels and potentially exceed previously announced figures.
Notably, US President Donald Trump’s attempt to bring down fuel prices ahead of the elections through a diesel deal with Moscow plays into the Kremlin’s hands.
Russia is exploiting the fuel crisis to provoke a conflict between the United States and Ukraine and pressure Kyiv to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries.
In addition, Trump signed an order suspending Graham-backed sanctions against Russia. These measures included sweeping tariffs, restrictions, and sanctions targeting countries that purchase Russian energy products.
