Ukraine warns Trump may soften sanctions on Russia's fertilizer sector

Sources say the Trump administration may consider easing sanctions on Russia’s fertilizer sector after a diesel supply deal with President Putin that has drawn bipartisan criticism. Kyiv officials argue the proposal fits a pattern of offering economic incentives to Moscow in hopes of ending the war, despite no concrete ceasefire commitments. While the United States has not directly banned Russian fertilizer imports, a potential agreement could remove penalties for ships, banks and firms linked to the industry.

Ukrainian intelligence and senior officials stress that Russia has long lobbied for such relief, even withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2023 over unmet demands. President Zelensky has called the diesel deal a weak move that could open the door to further concessions, including gas and other sanctions. Critics in Congress question the legality of the diesel arrangement under the 2022 Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act and are reaching out to companies involved. The Kremlin has reiterated its stance that Ukrainian-held territories belong to historic Russia.