Trump Defends Diesel Deal, Accuses EU of Paying Russia Billions

Former President Donald Trump has defended his administration's controversial diesel deal with Russia, asserting an "America first" policy and accusing the European Union of paying significantly more for Russian energy.

Trump's remarks came after his administration agreed to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports, allowing for the immediate release of 300,000 tons of the fuel to the American and global markets. This initial shipment is expected to be followed by 500,000 tons in November and another million tons subsequently. The US Treasury's decision to suspend sanctions until April 7 aims to facilitate this supply.

This move has drawn criticism, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling it a "gift" to Russia that could prolong the conflict. Allies of Ukraine have echoed these sentiments.

However, Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, pushed back against the criticism. "The European Union paid Russia 250 Billion Dollars for Energy, and the Fake News Media doesn’t want to get near that story," he stated. "I made the right choice for the American People - ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST!"

Data from a campaign group suggests the EU has spent approximately €240 billion (or $270 billion) on Russian coal, oil, and gas since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Recent reports also indicate that some EU nations continue to be significant buyers of Russian fossil fuels. For instance, Belgium reportedly sourced 100% of its liquid natural gas from Russia in July of the current year. Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, and France were listed as major importers of Russian fossil fuels that month.

Trump's agreement follows criticism regarding his administration's handling of global energy markets, with US diesel prices having reportedly increased significantly over the past year. Reports suggest Trump's decision to proceed with the deal came after Zelenskyy did not agree to requests to halt strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. A US official commented that Zelenskyy was "misreading the room" and that continued strikes on refineries could erode goodwill.

Russia's foreign affairs aide, Yury Ushakov, described the call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as friendly. Trump himself expressed readiness to continue communication with Putin. Zelenskyy has stated he was blindsided by the US decision to suspend sanctions for diesel purchases.

Earlier in the week, Trump claimed an "energy ceasefire" had been agreed upon between Russia and Ukraine, which would involve both sides ceasing attacks on each other's energy infrastructure. This claim was met with skepticism, including from former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who criticized the "outrageous" double standards and the appeasement of Putin.