Video: Trump thanks Putin for Russian diesel deal, Zelensky calls it “weak decision”

Abdullateef Fowewe

United States President Donald Trump has celebrated a new agreement allowing significant imports of Russian diesel, thanking Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Video: Trump thanks Putin for Russian diesel deal, Zelensky calls it “weak decision”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the move as unfair and damaging to partnership talks.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “You heard about the oil deal with Russia. That is a big deal. That is massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and I want to thank President Putin. We have massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and it’s diesel, which is what we want, so thank you.”

The deal, announced after a phone call with Putin, involves Russia supplying more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by additional large volumes in the coming months, under a temporary sanctions exemption.

Trump framed it as a way to bring down fuel prices for American consumers, farmers, and truckers.

Zelensky reacted with visible frustration in remarks captured on video.

He said that while Ukrainian negotiators were meeting with the American team in Miami, the U.S. president was simultaneously striking a deal with “the leader of the Kremlin.”

He argued the arrangement gives Russia extra revenue for the war, “America is enabling Russia; this is extra money for the suffering. I believe our team is simply being used as a smokescreen. That’s unfair, definitely not partnership-like. In my opinion, a weak decision.”

The agreement comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and U.S. efforts to ease domestic energy costs.

Ukraine has carried out effective strikes on Russian oil refineries in recent months, contributing to pressure on Russia’s energy sector. According to a U.S. official, Trump decided to proceed with the diesel arrangement after Ukraine did not halt those attacks despite repeated American requests.

The announcement coincided with talks in Miami involving U.S. envoys and a Ukrainian delegation aimed at advancing proposals to end the conflict. Zelensky and Ukrainian officials have described the timing as undercutting those discussions and providing Moscow with resources that could prolong the fighting.

Trump has maintained the deal serves American economic interests and that the United States remains a strong partner.

The development has heightened tensions between Washington and Kyiv at a delicate moment in diplomatic efforts.