A major diplomatic rift has emerged as the U.S. president struck a deal to purchase Russian diesel, directly contradicting years of Western sanctions aimed at pressuring Moscow over its prolonged conflict in Ukraine. The move, framed as a step to reduce domestic fuel costs, has sparked immediate backlash from Ukraine’s leader, who condemned the agreement as unfair and dishonest. European allies are also expected to face renewed tensions as the decision risks undermining long-standing unity in isolating Russia. The agreement marks a sharp shift in U.S. policy and could escalate geopolitical friction with key partners.
President says deal essential to lower US fuel prices but move set to create fresh crisis with Ukraine and Nato alliesUS politics – live updatesDonald Trump was on a fresh collision course with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European allies on Friday after a stunning agreement to buy Russian diesel, upending years of US and western pressure on the Kremlin to end its four-and-a-half year war against Ukraine.Zelenskyy reacted furiously to Trump’s announcement of the deal with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, calling it “absolutely terrible” and “not fair and not honest”. Continue reading...
