Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized the agreements between the United States and Russia that allow Moscow to resume exports of petroleum products. The statement by the Ukrainian leader came amid an ongoing two-day visit by the Ukrainian government delegation to Florida, where the parties are discussing prospects for a peaceful settlement and a ceasefire.

Energy context and visit to Florida

While Ukrainian negotiators are trying to coordinate the parameters of a possible energy truce, which is extremely important for the civilian population of Ukraine, Washington is making a decision that runs counter to Kyiv's efforts. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the agreement to lift restrictions on Russian diesel supplies was reached following a telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and the Russian leadership.

Financial support for Russian aggression

Under the terms of the reached deal, the US Treasury Department is issuing a temporary license suspending part of the sanctions. Russia gets the opportunity to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel to the American and global markets immediately, another 500,000 tons in November, and a million tons in the future. The Ukrainian side emphasizes that these volumes will bring the Kremlin billion-dollar revenues that will go directly to financing the ongoing war and prolonging the conflict.

Political crisis in the US and accusations against Kyiv

The diesel deal was Washington's response to internal economic challenges, including rising fuel prices ahead of the congressional elections. The US administration had previously blamed Ukraine for the fuel deficit due to strikes on Russian oil refineries, demanding an end to infrastructure attacks. The Ukrainian president characterized the actions of American partners at the time of the talks as using the Ukrainian delegation as a "screen," calling this step a weak decision by influential allies.