Trump's Russia Diesel Deal Could Fuel Putin's War, Ex-NATO Commander Warns

An agreement reportedly brokered by former President Donald Trump to supply Russia with diesel could provide Russian President Vladimir Putin with fresh revenue to fund the war in Ukraine, according to a former NATO commander. Retired Gen. Philip Breedlove, who previously served as NATO's supreme allied commander Europe, warned that such a deal risks undermining Ukraine's war effort.

"And so we are cutting a deal with the enemy," Breedlove stated, asserting that "all of this money will go into fueling Mr. Putin's continued attacks in Ukraine." The Russian government announced it had partially lifted a ban on diesel exports following a reported agreement for Russia to supply the U.S. and global markets. This deal outlines the release of substantial quantities of diesel, with further shipments planned for subsequent months.

Trump himself announced what he called an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, stating both sides had agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine had not been informed of a finalized ceasefire agreement. He expressed willingness to halt attacks on Russian energy facilities if Moscow reciprocated, but accused Putin of repeatedly rejecting peace proposals and continuing strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. "Ukraine has proposed many de-escalatory steps. Putin had one answer to all of them – 'nyet,'" Zelenskyy wrote on X. "We do hope that he will finally say something to America, Ukraine, and the entire world that will lead to a real and dignified peace."

Zelenskyy also reported that Russian forces had conducted over 200 strikes on Ukraine's electricity generation and transmission facilities in the past week, along with 17 strikes targeting gas and oil infrastructure, resulting in more than 150 deaths and over 700 injuries.

Breedlove argued that Russia and Ukraine are pursuing different objectives. He characterized Russia's actions as a campaign of "counter value," aimed at attacking the Ukrainian people to force societal separation from their president. In contrast, he described Kyiv's attacks on Russian energy facilities as an effort to disrupt the revenue sustaining Putin's war.

Breedlove predicted that Washington would likely pressure Zelenskyy to suspend attacks on Russia's oil industry, despite their strategic importance. "What I expect will happen is the United States will force or try to force Zelenskyy to stop bombing the petrochemical business in Russia," he said.

Trump has previously criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, asserting they disrupt global diesel supplies and increase costs for American farmers and ranchers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, defended the administration's efforts to increase diesel supplies, stating, "We're going to do it with all the legal authorities we have. This is good for the American people, bringing these diesel prices down."

Separately, Zelenskyy offered to organize Ukrainian elections if Putin agreed to a reciprocal 60-day ceasefire, though holding a vote would face legal and logistical obstacles under Ukraine's martial law.

Breedlove expressed deep skepticism about Putin honoring any ceasefire, citing a pattern of Russian attacks following discussions with Trump. "Russia has never kept a promise to this president in this war," Breedlove stated. "He started this war. This war is to benefit Russia, and this war is to keep Mr. Putin in power. And our administration needs to tell him to stop."