Boris Johnson Slams Trump's Russia Diesel Deal as 'Sickening'

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vehemently criticized an agreement involving former U.S. President Donald Trump to lift sanctions on Russian diesel fuel, labeling the deal as "sickening" and "outrageous." Johnson, a former staunch supporter of Trump, accused the former president of forcing "American drivers to bankroll Vladimir Putin's slaughter" in an effort to reduce U.S. gasoline prices.

Johnson's remarks came as Trump announced what he termed an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, stipulating that both sides cease attacks on each other's energy infrastructure. This agreement, according to Johnson, would facilitate Trump's fuel deal and was met with criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described it as a "gift to Putin" that would prolong the conflict. Trump responded by suggesting Ukraine "better damn well stop" striking Russian oil infrastructure and called for the country to "get a new leader who can make a deal."

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Johnson questioned the double standards of preventing Ukraine from retaliating against Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure while simultaneously easing sanctions on Russian fuel. He suggested that if Russian fuel ships attempted to transit the English Channel, the Royal Navy should intercept them. "It's ridiculous to try to appease Putin and it won't make a bean of difference to the price of fuel," Johnson stated, arguing that supporting Ukraine is the most effective way to end the conflict and lower fuel prices.

The deal reportedly involves the purchase of nearly two million tons of Russian diesel over the coming months. This development occurs as Trump faces pressure to lower fuel prices ahead of midterm elections, with diesel prices having significantly increased in the U.S. over the past year.

President Zelensky initially expressed surprise at Trump's announcement of an energy ceasefire, stating it was "news for him." However, he later indicated support for the idea, conditional on Russia's adherence. "Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well," Zelensky posted on X. He also suggested the possibility of organizing elections in Ukraine if Russia upheld a 60-day ceasefire, according to an interview with ABC News.

Despite the reported ceasefire, Ukraine reported that Russia had struck a power plant in Kyiv and other energy facilities in the Kharkiv region shortly after Trump's announcement. Zelensky commented on these attacks, noting they occurred "AFTER the President... made his statement about an energy ceasefire."

Johnson, who was one of the first Western leaders to visit Kyiv after the Russian invasion, also took to X to criticize Trump's actions. He described the lifting of sanctions on Russian fuel as "sickening" and "transparently ridiculous" to blame Ukraine for price spikes. He reiterated that Putin was responsible for civilian deaths and that Ukraine was fighting for its survival.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch supported Johnson's stance, stating that Trump was "wrong" to ease sanctions and to blame President Zelensky. "Ukraine's freedom is not President Trump's to bargain away," she said.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the tensions between Kyiv and Washington and suggested that Trump might be responding to domestic political pressures related to the upcoming midterm elections and cost-of-living concerns. "We would obviously prefer a stronger approach on sanctions," Streeting commented.

The agreement to export Russian diesel comes weeks after Trump signed legislation that imposed tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas. The deal stipulates Moscow would export 300,000 tons of fuel immediately, followed by larger quantities in subsequent months. This move by Trump to secure Russian diesel is part of his efforts to reduce domestic fuel prices, which have been a point of contention for U.S. voters.