Trump says diesel deal meant to keep Russia at peace table, blames Zelenskyy
Donald Trump claimed he halted a diesel export agreement with Russia and postponed new sanctions to avoid pushing Vladimir Putin away from Ukraine peace talks, while accusing Volodymyr Zelenskyy of extending the war.
Donald Trump announced that he terminated a diesel export arrangement with Russia and postponed additional sanctions to prevent Vladimir Putin from abandoning ongoing peace negotiations with Ukraine. He framed the move as a means to sustain dialogue and cited "great progress" in the talks. Simultaneously, Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming the leader’s acceptance of European military assistance has lengthened the five-year war.
In an interview, Zelenskyy countered, saying Trump is trying to force Kyiv into a surrender and accused the United States of restricting Starlink and Starshield services that aid Ukrainian defenses. The White House rejected any role in the brief interruption of those satellite systems. The statements come as Trump seeks to shift blame for high energy prices away from other factors and as Republican lawmakers voice opposition to both the diesel deal and the sanctions waiver ahead of the November midterm elections.
Why it matters
The president’s trade and sanctions decisions could shape the trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and affect global energy markets.
How this story developed
- Oct 5 Russia’s intensified winter attacks threaten Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and morale
- Oct 17 The House Foreign Affairs Committee posted legislation to block financing for Russian oil projects and tighten sanctions.
- Oct 17 Russian forces attacked over 15 Ukrainian electricity sites with more than 320 drones and missiles, while Zelensky denounced the US sanctions suspension.
- Oct 17 Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski announced that the United States is considering a three-way meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump, with possible venues ranging from the Gulf to Europe.
- Oct 17 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced encouragement to continue attacks, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal accused Trump of “flattering Vladimir Putin”, and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised the decision.
- Oct 17 The executive order states the waiver will remain in effect until the president or senior officials determine further action.
- Oct 17 US officials indicated they may limit intelligence data to Ukrainian forces.
- Oct 18 Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration will study the impact of the suspension on the global economy.
- Oct 18 Volodymyr Zelenskyj said that US authorities had ordered a brief suspension of Starlink for Ukraine’s military, which has since been lifted.
- Oct 18 Zelensky warned that any formal U.S. alignment with Vladimir Putin would be a historic mistake.
- Oct 18 Ukraine struck a refinery in Saint Petersburg, prompting renewed U.S. criticism of Kyiv’s energy attacks.
- Oct 18 Trump offered extra Patriot missiles if Ukraine ceases refinery attacks.
- Oct 19 The United States continues to review the feasibility of a trilateral summit with Putin and Trump.
- Oct 19 Trump signed an executive order pausing broad sanctions on Russia, including a temporary diesel waiver.
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