Trump Signals Desire for Expanded Business with Russia Post-Ukraine War
Former President's comments come as first Russian diesel shipment in months heads to US, drawing criticism.
Donald Trump has indicated he is open to expanding business dealings with Russia after the conclusion of the war in Ukraine. His remarks coincide with the arrival of a tanker carrying Russian diesel fuel to a US port, a move that has drawn criticism from Kyiv and some political figures.
"Certainly, we'll do business with Ukraine and with Russia after this war ends, I would think," Trump stated on Saturday, expressing a desire to "get back to life where Russia and Ukraine make a deal, and then we'd be able to do business with both."
The first shipment of Russian diesel under a new arrangement, reportedly brokered by Trump, is en route to New York and is expected to dock on November 7. This delivery marks the first instance of Russian diesel reaching the United States since July 2023. The vessel is carrying approximately 40,000 tons of diesel.
Ukrainian officials have voiced concerns that the agreement could provide Russia with financial resources to continue its invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the decision as "a weak decision by strong partners."
Trump also referenced a natural resources agreement with Ukraine, suggesting it could be worth up to $1 trillion. He argued that the United States should have sought greater financial compensation for the aid provided to Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Russia's energy sector has faced pressure from Ukrainian drone attacks on its refineries. Trump previously urged Kyiv to halt these attacks.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are ongoing. Zelensky recently met with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had also consulted with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. A potential three-way meeting involving Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv has been discussed, though no venue or date has been confirmed. Zelensky has emphasized the need for diplomacy and highlighted Ukraine's urgent need for further military and financial assistance, particularly Patriot missile interceptors and protection for its power infrastructure as winter approaches.