Diesel deal and Trump criticism of Zelenskyy give Kremlin a boost

The United States and Russia agreed to a deal on Russian diesel exports, giving Moscow a political gain as well as potential revenue.

The exports are expected to be small and unlikely to change fuel prices much, but the money could help Russia fund its war.

Trump has also suggested Ukraine should replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding to tensions between Washington and Kyiv.

These developments could weaken unity between Ukraine and its European allies against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia continues attacking Ukraine’s energy facilities, despite Trump saying the two countries had agreed to an energy truce.

Zelenskyy says he would support a ceasefire if Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid stop, but Moscow has not confirmed it agrees.

The next step remains uncertain, as Russian officials say contacts are ongoing and Putin has called for a broader, long-term agreement rather than a temporary halt.