Trump's Russian Diesel Deal Sparks Fury: Zelensky Slams 'Gift to Putin'

US President Donald Trump announced on [date] a deal permitting Russia to sell petroleum products, including diesel, on the global market, a move that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky immediately condemned as a 'gift to Putin.' The announcement, made from Washington, signals a major policy shift that could ease sanctions on Russian energy exports.

Zelensky argued that allowing Russia to profit from oil sales would provide Moscow with resources to prolong the war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The deal's specifics, including volumes and timelines, were not immediately disclosed, but it is expected to involve Russian diesel exports to international buyers. Critics warn it could undermine Western sanctions aimed at crippling Russia's war machine.

The announcement has drawn sharp reactions from European allies, who have largely maintained strict sanctions on Russian energy. Analysts suggest the deal could strain US-Ukraine relations and embolden Moscow. Next steps remain unclear, with the Kremlin yet to comment and the White House facing potential congressional pushback. The international community watches closely as the war in Ukraine enters a critical phase.