German leader rejects Trump-backed Russian diesel deal and reaffirms support for Zelensky

Friedrich Merz told German television that the proposed diesel deal, which President Donald Trump announced would allow Russia to flood the market with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fuel, cannot be tolerated by Europe. He argued that Russia would only come to genuine negotiations if pressure on its actions is intensified, not eased. Merz highlighted Russia’s continued assaults on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure despite Trump’s call to stop such attacks.

In the same remarks, he underscored that President Volodymyr Zelensky can rely on Germany’s steadfast support amid calls for a change of leadership in Kyiv. Merz concluded by saying Germany will keep working toward a just, lasting peace that protects both Ukrainian sovereignty and European security.