Zelensky slams US easing of Russian diesel export curbs as a "gift" to Putin

Differences have surfaced again between the United States and Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed strong displeasure over Washington's decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports.

Ukraine says the US move could give Russia an economic benefit and help it raise the money needed for the war. For this reason, Zelensky called the decision a "gift" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The stance also raises the question of how appropriate it is to reduce economic pressure on Russia while the war continues.

The earnings Russia makes from energy exports are vital to its economy. Ukraine fears that the same revenue could be used to keep the war going. Any decision that eases the burden on Russia's energy business is therefore a worry for Ukraine.

According to Zelensky, it is necessary to maintain economic pressure on Russia. Easing the restrictions could give Moscow relief and weaken the pressure being built to bring the war to an end. This is why he criticised the US decision in strong terms.

US President Donald Trump announced, after speaking to Putin on the phone, that agreement had been reached on supplying Russian diesel to world markets, including the US. Trump said the main aim of the decision is to bring down rising fuel prices in the US.

The American economy is under pressure from rising fuel prices. Diesel is vital for the transport sector, farmers and the freight business, so the US is trying to bring prices down by increasing supply. But since Russia will earn from diesel sales as a result, the political and economic consequences will also be significant.

It may be recalled that after Russia's attack on Ukraine, Western countries imposed several economic sanctions on Moscow. Their main aim was to cut the earnings from Russia's energy sector. The decision to relax diesel export curbs is therefore raising questions about US policy on Russia.

Zelensky did not stop at criticism; he also offered cooperation to end the war. He made it clear that if Russia stops attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Ukraine too is ready to stop attacks on Russia's oil refining projects.

Attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities affect electricity supply and ordinary life. On the other side, Ukraine is trying to pressure the economic sources of Russia's war by targeting its oil refineries. Zelensky says there should be a firm agreement to stop attacks from both sides.

The decision is feared to increase tension in US-Ukraine relations. However, Zelensky has acknowledged that the US has an important role in ending the war. The international community is now watching what stance Washington takes next on sanctions against Russia, and whether Moscow takes any concrete step to stop the war.