Fox News Host Clashes With Co-Host Over Trump's Russia Diesel Deal

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade launched a sharp critique of former President Donald Trump's decision to purchase Russian diesel, warning that cooperating with Russian President Vladimir Putin could be a significant misstep.

During a live segment on Fox & Friends Weekend, Kilmeade engaged in a heated exchange with co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. Kilmeade vehemently defended Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and accused Putin of being solely responsible for the ongoing conflict. "They're the bad guys," Kilmeade declared.

Kilmeade drew a stark comparison between Putin and Adolf Hitler, asserting that closer ties between Washington and Moscow would have dire consequences. "It would be the biggest mistake of his administration to work with Russia," Kilmeade stated. "That's the modern Hitler of our generation."

The on-air disagreement stemmed from Trump's temporary easing of U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel. This move drew international criticism, with accusations that the administration was indirectly funding Moscow's war efforts. The decision came amid rising global energy prices, influenced by the conflict involving Iran, presenting a political challenge for Republicans ahead of upcoming elections.

Trump had previously suggested Ukraine might need new leadership after Zelenskyy condemned the Russian fuel arrangement. However, Kilmeade argued that Zelenskyy's reaction was understandable, given the prospect of American capital flowing into Russia's economy while Ukrainian soldiers fought against the invasion. "There's one person who's responsible; Vladimir Putin. That is it," Kilmeade insisted.

Campos-Duffy challenged Kilmeade's perspective, suggesting that Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, despite Trump's objections, were exacerbating fuel shortages and negatively impacting the administration politically. Kilmeade rejected this, stating, "There's no plausible, practical peace effort that Vladimir Putin would participate in effectively that would end this war."

The discussion intensified when Campos-Duffy questioned Kilmeade's allegiance, asking, "Are you for America or Ukraine?" Kilmeade responded by pointing to broader Middle East conflicts and Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf states as drivers of fuel supply disruptions. He also praised Ukraine's advancements in drone warfare against Russian energy facilities.

Campos-Duffy highlighted the significant human toll of the conflict and insisted Trump sought peace. Kilmeade retorted, "Tell Vladimir Putin!"

Earlier on Sunday, Trump announced what he termed an immediate "ENERGY CEASEFIRE" between Russia and Ukraine on his social media platform, Truth Social. He claimed both parties had agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, but confirmation from Moscow was not immediately forthcoming. Zelenskyy's office expressed surprise and indicated they were seeking further information, though Ukraine supported a halt to such attacks.

Reports from Ukraine indicated that Russian strikes had hit multiple power facilities, including installations in Kyiv and Kharkiv, on the same day Trump announced the ceasefire. These reported bombardments threatened to undermine Trump's statement.

European allies, including Britain, France, and Germany, expressed support for halting attacks on energy infrastructure while reaffirming their backing for Ukraine. However, Trump's decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel faced strong opposition. Seven U.S. senators, including four Republicans, issued a statement condemning the arrangement as illegal. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also criticized the move, calling it contrary to efforts for peace and stability in Europe.

Zelenskyy described the diesel arrangement as a "weak decision" and dismissed Trump's suggestion about leadership changes in Ukraine. "It's up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader," Zelenskyy stated, arguing that the true cause of rising energy prices was the Middle East war and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.