Zelenskyy condemned the agreement, describing it as a “gift” to Putin and arguing that easing sanctions would provide Russia with additional resources to continue its military campaign.
“Today, Russia expressed its thanks for the lifting of sanctions on diesel exports by dropping five glide bombs on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia,” Zelenskyy said in a social media statement.
He added that Russia interpreted any reduction in international pressure as an opportunity to continue attacking Ukrainian cities. Ukraine’s largest private energy provider also reported large-scale power outages in Kyiv.
Europe Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
The agreement has raised concerns among European leaders, who fear that additional Russian energy revenues could undermine Western efforts to restrict Moscow’s ability to finance the war.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the deal would provide Russia with more money to sustain its military operations. She reiterated that the EU would maintain pressure on Moscow and announced plans for foreign ministers to approve a new package of sanctions on Monday, targeting 1,600 additional individuals and entities linked to Russia’s war effort.
Germany also reaffirmed its commitment to existing sanctions and further measures in coordination with European partners. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed regret over the US agreement, describing Russian energy revenues as a vital source of funding for the war.
Tensions Between Washington and Kyiv
The diesel agreement has exposed growing tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy over energy policy and the conduct of the war. Trump has sought to discourage Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that they contribute to global diesel shortages and higher fuel prices.
Zelenskyy, however, has maintained that Ukraine should not be expected to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure while Moscow continues striking Ukrainian power facilities.
The Financial Times reported that during peace talks in Miami, Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner raised the possibility of cutting off US intelligence-sharing with Kyiv if Ukraine refused to stop attacking Russian refineries.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin described Friday’s telephone conversation between Trump and Putin as “very substantive and friendly”. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the two leaders ended the call simultaneously.
Ukraine Warns of Further Retaliation
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would respond to the latest Russian attacks but remained prepared to take steps towards de-escalation if Moscow did the same.
Separately, the Russian-installed governor of the occupied Luhansk region, Leonid Pasechnik, said Ukrainian attacks over the previous 24 hours had killed four civilians and wounded five, according to Russian officials.
The latest developments highlight the challenges facing Western governments as they seek to balance energy costs, diplomatic relations and continued support for Ukraine. While Washington has pursued a deal intended to ease pressure on fuel prices, Kyiv and its European partners warn that renewed Russian energy income could weaken sanctions and prolong the conflict.
