Zelenskyy warns Russia could lure US into 'economic marriage' with hidden costs
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, while speaking to journalists, that Russia could offer the United States an “economic marriage” that may not be in Washington’s best interests in the long run.
“I believe the ‘diesel deal’ opens the door for Russia to take similar steps in the future. These could involve fertilizers, gas, frozen assets, and other individuals and entities that could have sanctions lifted against them,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that sanctions had already been lifted on Russian oligarchs close to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
According to the president, energy resources are part of Russia’s offer.
“Russia understands that, unlike other countries around the world, it has natural resources, capabilities, reserves, and such centralized control over all of them that it can genuinely offer America a kind of ‘economic marriage,’ however unpleasant that may sound,” Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, the Ukrainian president said such a “marriage” was unlikely to benefit the United States in the long term.
“Because every deal with Russia has some unpleasant element that is not immediately apparent. In the short term, it may seem that there are benefits,” he added.
Earlier, the United States said it believed a deal with Russia on diesel fuel should demonstrate to Moscow the economic benefits of ending its war against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has expressed hopes of fully restoring diesel export volumes following a deal with the United States.
Moscow has also announced preparations for its first diesel shipment to the United States and said it could expand its pool of buyers on the global market.
