Zelenskyy criticises Trump's proposed fuel deal as benefiting Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly criticised a proposed diesel arrangement involving the United States, contending that such a deal would ultimately serve Russian economic interests rather than support Ukraine's position in the conflict.

The criticism underscores deepening tensions between Kyiv and Washington over trade policy during the war. Zelenskyy's objections centre on concerns that permitting certain fuel transactions could strengthen Russia's financial position and circumvent existing sanctions designed to weaken Moscow's economic capacity.

The dispute reflects broader disagreements between Ukraine and the incoming Trump administration regarding how international commerce should be managed in relation to the Russian invasion. Ukrainian officials have previously expressed apprehension about policies they fear could undermine international pressure on Moscow.

The statement comes as Ukraine continues to seek sustained Western support for its defence operations. Zelenskyy has consistently advocated for maintaining stringent economic measures against Russia while securing robust international backing for Ukrainian resistance efforts.

Detailsof the specific diesel arrangement remain limited, though the dispute signals potential friction over sanctions enforcement and trade policy between the two allies during the critical phase of the conflict.