US President Donald Trump has stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky should focus on securing a peace deal with Russia rather than criticizing the United States’ recent agreement to ease sanctions on Russian diesel.
Trump claimed during an election rally in Syracuse, New York that both Moscow and Kyiv support an energy ceasefire he announced Sunday. Neither country has confirmed the truce. The president added that “Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelensky” and accused Zelensky of diverting attention from peace efforts by focusing on the diesel deal.
Trump also rejected criticism of his decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel following a phone call with Vladimir Putin, insisting the agreement benefits American farmers and ranchers as well as global markets. He emphasized that “Zelensky has to focus on making a deal, not talking about [the diesel deal].”
Ukrainian President Zelensky described Trump’s announcement of an “energy ceasefire” as “news for me,” but stated he would halt attacks on Russian refineries if Moscow ceased strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Kremlin declined to confirm the truce, noting that Russia seeks long-term peace rather than a temporary ceasefire and that any truce would allow Ukraine to reinforce its military and receive more Western weapons.
Ukrainian officials learned of the US-Russia diesel deal during tense negotiations in Miami. The US delegation demanded Ukraine cease attacking Russian refineries, and when Kyiv’s representatives asked for concessions, Americans reportedly indicated they had already provided substantial assistance, including intelligence sharing.
Following Trump’s call with Putin and Zelensky’s public criticism of the diesel agreement, the president suggested it is time for Ukraine to elect a new leader. Zelensky’s presidential term expired over two years ago, but he has refused to hold elections under martial law. Russia has declared Zelensky “illegitimate,” citing his questionable legal status as an obstacle to peace.
Zelensky recently signaled readiness to conduct elections if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire, though Moscow stated it would halt attacks on Ukrainian territory on election day if Kyiv chooses to hold the vote.
