Zelensky calls US‑Russia diesel deal an 'investment in war'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised a recent agreement between the United States and Russia that would permit Moscow to sell diesel fuel to the United States. He described the arrangement as an “investment in war,” suggesting that the deal could indirectly benefit Russia’s military capabilities.

The accord, reached by officials from both Washington and Moscow, is intended to address a shortage of diesel in the United States by allowing Russian refiners to export the fuel. The United States has faced supply constraints amid high global demand and logistical challenges, prompting the government to seek additional sources.

Zelensky’s remarks came during a press briefing in which he warned that any economic engagement with Russia could undermine Ukraine’s efforts to resist the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that allowing Russian diesel to enter the U.S. market could provide the Kremlin with revenue that might be used to fund its war effort.

U.S. officials have defended the agreement as a pragmatic response to domestic energy needs, stating that the transaction would be subject to strict monitoring and would not involve any direct military assistance to Russia. They have not indicated that the deal would affect existing sanctions on other Russian energy exports.

The discussion highlights the tension between short‑term energy security concerns and broader geopolitical considerations, as both the United States and Ukraine navigate the complexities of the war in Ukraine and the global energy market.