Trump says Putin prefers peace over Zelensky as US diesel deal sparks criticism
President Trump claimed Vladimir Putin wants a peace deal more than Volodymyr Zelensky and urged both leaders to negotiate, while a controversial US diesel waiver for Russia draws bipartisan and international backlash.
President Donald Trump said that Vladimir Putin wants a peace settlement more than Volodymyr Zelensky and that the two must meet to end the "ridiculous war." His comments came as the White House announced a controversial waiver allowing Russia to sell diesel to the United States, a move intended to lower domestic fuel costs before the upcoming congressional elections. Critics on Capitol Hill and Ukrainian officials argue the sanction relief will bankroll Moscow’s war, with Zelensky warning it plays into Russia’s hands and calling for new Ukrainian leadership.
In the UK, cabinet minister Miliband met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the need to counter Iran’s aggression in the Strait of Hormuz and to stand with Ukraine. British leaders Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch also voiced "complete solidarity" with Kyiv and condemned the diesel deal. Trump later claimed an energy cease-fire existed between the warring sides, despite recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian power infrastructure.
Why it matters
The story highlights how US policy on Russian energy exports may affect the Ukraine war and domestic politics ahead of elections.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 US officials describe talks with Russian envoy as constructive amid Ukraine war
- Oct 11 Zelenskyy communicated the conditional offer through a Telegram post.
- Oct 11 Zelensky announced that Ukraine backs the energy‑weapons cease‑fire proposed by Trump.
- Oct 12 Rep. Fitzpatrick said he will introduce a discharge petition to stop the Trump‑approved Russian diesel imports.
- Oct 12 Zelensky said Ukraine supports the energy armistice announced by Donald Trump on Truth Social and called for Russia to participate.
- Oct 12 EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc welcomes the energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine if it holds, but doubts Russia will fully respect it.
- Oct 12 U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner postponed their scheduled Moscow trip pending Ukraine and EU responses.
- Oct 12 Trump announced a limited cease‑fire on attacks on energy installations.
- Oct 12 President Volodymyr Zelensky asked for a 60-day truce to hold elections, but the Kremlin said it opposes any ceasefire and dismissed the proposal.
- Oct 12 Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt attacks on oil refineries.
- Oct 12 EU members are moving forward with fresh sanctions on Russian war‑related actors.
- Oct 12 Trump defended the diesel import arrangement and noted a Treasury temporary general license permitting the shipments.
- Oct 12 Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed his support for a reciprocal energy truce while denouncing a Russian strike on a Kharkiv power plant shortly after the U.S. president’s announcement.
- Oct 12 The Kremlin reiterated its rejection of the 60‑day ceasefire request.
In this story
Related stories
14 in this thread