Trump strikes Russian diesel deal as Putin casts doubt on peace talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin said an immediate resumption of peace talks with Ukraine is unlikely following phone discussions with United States President Donald Trump on Friday, Al Jazeera reported. Putin blamed recent drone attacks on Moscow and polling stations during parliamentary elections last month for undermining trilateral negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Al Jazeera noted that negotiators aim to present a proposal to Russia in the coming weeks. [1]

During the same phone call, Donald Trump struck a deal for Russia to supply diesel to global and American markets, France 24, AP News, ABC News Australia, and NBC News reported. According to France 24, Russia agreed to supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to lower fuel prices before the upcoming United States midterm elections. NBC News noted that the deal involves easing sanctions against Russia following recent price spikes. [2][3][6][8]

The agreement marks a sharp reversal of American pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine, according to France 24, AP News, and ABC News Australia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the deal in a statement, CNBC and Politico reported. CNBC reported that Zelenskyy said easing sanctions plays into the hands of Russia, while Politico reported that he accused Trump of using the arrangement as a smokescreen during war resolution talks. [2][3][5][6][9]

Peace negotiations between the two nations have been attempted since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Putin has demanded recognition of occupied lands, guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO, and the lifting of sanctions against Russia, while Zelenskyy has called for a full withdrawal of Russian troops and a ceasefire. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Ukrainian officials have previously called for air defense support and renewed peace talks following deadly Russian strikes. [11][12]