Ukrainian diplomats condemn Trump-Putin diesel deal as betrayal of NATO principles
Two senior Ukrainian diplomats said the diesel agreement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin undermines NATO and aids the aggressor.
In an interview, Ukrainian diplomats Volodymyr Jeltšenko and Ihor Hartšenko criticized the diesel agreement reached between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. They labeled the arrangement as a betrayal of NATO’s foundational principles, calling it a political concession that serves Russian interests. Jeltšenko said Trump prioritises economic gains, mistakenly believing profitable business with Russia is still possible, while Hartšenko called the deal a sham aimed at placating voters ahead of elections.
Both warned that the pact could erode trust among NATO allies, including Finland and Sweden, and indirectly support Russia’s military operations. Finnish and Swedish leaders have already expressed strong disappointment, reflecting broader concerns about allied unity.
Why it matters
The deal threatens NATO unity and may indirectly support Russia’s war effort.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 US officials describe talks with Russian envoy as constructive amid Ukraine war
- Oct 13 Ukraine said Russian strikes continued after Trump’s cease‑fire claim and a controversial diesel import deal was approved.
- Oct 13 German leader Friedrich Merz publicly rejected the Russian diesel deal and reaffirmed support for Zelensky.
- Oct 13 Zelensky called the deal a "gift for Putin" and escalated drone attacks on Russian fuel infrastructure.
- Oct 13 Zelensky announced that Ukraine has sent peace proposals to Washington.
- Oct 14 Twelve senators sent a letter to President Trump urging the cancellation of the Russian diesel import license.
- Oct 14 Donald Trump announced a unilateral diesel‑sanctions lift and called for an energy cease‑fire earlier this week.
- Oct 14 Death toll rises to at least three and power outage affects about 600,000 residents
- Oct 14 Donald Trump said a partial cease-fire on energy facilities between Russia and Ukraine has collapsed and suggested Volodymyr Zelenskyj be replaced as president.
- Oct 14 The Russian diesel export agreement announced by Trump disrupted ongoing Ukraine peace talks in Miami.
- Oct 15 Zelensky publicly condemned the diesel sanction relief in a televised interview.
- Oct 15 Alexander Novak announced alleged Ukrainian strikes on two Russian refineries, prompting disputed reports and independent monitoring.
- Oct 15 Volodymyr Zelensky announced that strikes against Russian refineries would resume after the energy cease‑fire advocated by Donald Trump was not respected by Russia.
- Oct 15 Russian foreign minister condemned President Zelensky for the renewed attacks.
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