Trump Draws Backlash Over 300,000-Ton Russia Diesel Deal as Allies Rally Behind Zelensky
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 11
Trump Draws Backlash Over 300,000-Ton Russia Diesel Deal as Allies Rally Behind Zelensky
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 11
Summary
European leaders and some U.S. Republicans rebuked Trump after he attacked Volodymyr Zelensky and agreed to let Moscow sell an initial 300,000 tons of diesel into U.S. and global markets.
Zelensky answered Trump's call for his ouster by saying Ukrainians would choose their leader, adding he was ready for elections if Russia accepted a 60-day total ceasefire.
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick broke with Trump, with Fitzpatrick vowing a vote on bipartisan legislation to block purchases of Russian oil.
Trump also declared an immediate Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire, but the Kremlin gave no confirmation and Kyiv said Russian strikes hit Kharkiv energy infrastructure soon after.
Critics said the waiver undercut Ukraine's campaign against Russian energy assets—estimated to have erased 1% of Russia's GDP—while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned it would fund Moscow's war.