Susanna Riva On the first day of the week, President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine is willing to halt its actions against Russian refineries if Russia ceases its bombing of the country's energy infrastructure. This statement came immediately after harsh criticism from former President Donald Trump , who blamed Kiev for rising diesel prices in the United States.
Donald Trump's Statements on Diesel and Energy
On Saturday, Trump claimed that Ukrainian attacks on Moscow's refineries were driving up the cost of American diesel and called on President Zelensky to " stop it immediately ." The American leader also suggested that Kyiv should find a "new president" more inclined to negotiate with Putin.
In an electoral context, Trump's statements are fueling the Republican campaign ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, where the issue of fuel prices has become a focal point.
The diesel pact with Russia
On the same day, Trump announced a bilateral agreement to import diesel from Russia, arguing that the move could reduce consumer prices.
Analysts have warned, however, that the agreed volume is very limited compared to Russia's normal export volumes, making a lasting impact on markets unlikely. The decision has also sparked criticism within the Republican Party: Representative Don Bacon has called for tightening sanctions against Moscow rather than easing them.
Zelensky's response and diplomatic prospects
On Sunday afternoon, Zelensky reiterated that suspending attacks on Russian refineries is only possible as part of a mutual de-escalation . For the Ukrainian president, this means Moscow must halt its attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities , while also providing "real guarantees" to lend credibility to the agreement. Zelensky also emphasized that the responsibility for the war in Europe lies solely with Russia.
The Ukrainian president's words were echoed in the streets of Kiev, where citizens like Sabina, a 40-year-old primary school teacher, expressed frustration at external pressure. "No one has the right to tell us what to do, especially in wartime," she declared, reiterating the impossibility of holding elections under martial law.
In parallel, Ukrainian authorities have continued talks with their European partners. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is scheduled to address the European Union Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, where they will discuss further tightening sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's next steps toward EU accession. Negotiations also include requests for new air defense packages, particularly ammunition for fighter jets used against Russian armed drones.
International reactions and future prospects
The US government appears intent on maintaining an ambivalent stance: on the one hand, it promotes the diesel agreement, while on the other, it criticizes Ukraine's actions. Meanwhile, experts warn that any ceasefire agreement must be supported by "concrete guarantees" and international monitoring to be sustainable. The situation therefore remains fluid, with European diplomacy potentially playing a decisive role in connecting Kiev's demands with Washington's economic pressure.