President Trump’s Deal Deepens Ukraine Rift

Donald Trump announced a temporary sanctions waiver after a call with Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir PutinPresident of the Russian Federation, allowing Russian diesel into global markets. Shipments would start at more than 300,000 tons and could reach several million tons. The move comes during Russia’s war in Ukraine, where both sides have targeted energy sites. The Trump administration had urged Kyiv to stop refinery attacks, saying they could raise fuel prices. Trump said both Russia and Ukraine accepted an energy cease-fire, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr ZelenskyVolodymyr ZelenskyyPresident of Ukraine since 2019 said he had not been told. Ukraine reported continued Russian strikes on its energy facilities, and Moscow did not confirm the arrangement. Shipment timing and destinations remain unclear.