Andrea Innocenti US President Donald Trump recently revoked the license that banned the export of Russian diesel to global markets, paving the way for an initial delivery of 300 tons and promising an additional 500 in November and a million thereafter. The announcement, published on the social media platform Truth, was justified by the prediction of a record-low fuel price drop.
The decision, however, was met with staunch opposition from Ukraine.
Zelensky calls the move a "birthday present" to Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the lifting of sanctions unfair and dishonest, noting that it comes on Vladimir Putin's birthday, October 7. In an interview with Axios, Zelensky called the move a "birthday gift" that he believes will provide Moscow with new resources to fuel the conflict in Ukraine.
He added that any easing without a clear de-escalation represents a weakness that encourages further violence.
Agreed diesel quantities
According to Trump's statements, the first batch of 300,000 tons would be available immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November, and finally, one million tons in the near future.
The temporary license was issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and is scheduled to expire on April 7.
Giorgia Meloni's protests in the Senate
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed the Senate ahead of the European Council meeting on October 15-16 . She emphasized that the surge in fuel prices is primarily due to the war in Iran , not the conflict in Ukraine . According to Meloni, Trump's decision risks legitimizing Moscow while its bombs continue to hit Ukrainian cities, providing Putin with new financial resources for the war.
Meloni also emphasized that the expansion of defense and security funding in the EU does not stem from cuts to healthcare or education, but from additional resources that are still allocated. She cited the approximately €15 billion increase in military spending during the pandemic as an example of how the budget can be adjusted without sacrificing other sectors.
Ukrainian resistance and the role of the West
The prime minister emphasized that Ukraine had lost ground since January, but regained much of that ground in September thanks to Western support. She reiterated that " no one in this chamber wants war ," but that differing visions on how to achieve peace are the true source of division. Meloni called for Europe, through the Twenty-seven , to appoint an authoritative figure with a shared mandate to bring the continent's voice to the negotiating table.
Other fronts of European politics
Meloni also mentioned the need to strengthen the Italian-led Aspides mission , emphasizing the shortage of vessels and the need for immediate action. She emphasized freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, considered vital interests for Europe.
Regarding the European budget, the Prime Minister noted that the Irish presidency is aiming for an agreement by the end of the year, but warned that the deadline must not exceed the content. She expressed her willingness to consider a more gradual repayment of the Next Generation EU, avoiding new national taxes.
The role of E3 and the need for a collective mandate
According to Meloni, France, Germany, and Great Britain have often acted alone within the so-called E3 , but if they decide to continue down this path, they should do so with an explicit mandate from all member states. Her appeal is for a Europe that doesn't stand idly by, but takes an active role in promoting peace in Ukraine and the Lebanon-Israel region.