Ukraine says Russian strikes are thanks for Trump diesel deal

Russian strikes blamed on Trump diesel deal

Zelenskyy said Russia’s deadly strikes on civilians were a direct response to a diesel deal signed by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin. He accused Washington of helping fund Moscow’s war.

Timing of the deal

The agreement was announced on Friday while Ukrainian negotiators were in Miami for peace talks. Zelenskyy called it a “gift” to Russia and warned that the money would be used to sustain the war.

Consequences for Ukraine

Hours after the announcement, Ukrainian officials reported a barrage of Russian strikes on the south-east of the country that killed 15 people, including three children. The strikes also caused large-scale power outages in Kyiv.

European reaction

EU officials, including Kaja Kallas, said the deal gives Russia more revenue to wage war and that Europe will not ease pressure on Russia. EU foreign ministers plan to add 1,600 new sanctions targets.

Russian perspective

A Kremlin readout described the call between Trump and Putin as “very substantive and friendly”. The Russian news agency Interfax quoted an aide saying the leaders hung up simultaneously.