‘Let’s Sign a Diesel Deal’: Zelensky Challenges Trump

October 13 ------ President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed signing a Ukrainian “diesel deal” with US President Donald Trump, arguing that Kyiv – not Moscow – can help determine whether Russian refineries operate and fuel shipments leave the country.

Speaking by video link at the Warsaw Security Forum on Monday, Oct. 12, Zelensky questioned the stated economic justification for Washington’s agreement to allow Russian diesel onto US and global markets. “If there are such deals, then why doesn’t America conclude a ‘diesel deal’ with Ukraine?” Zelensky said in remarks later published on his Telegram channel. “Let Ukraine offer a ‘diesel deal.’ We influence whether these ships sail or not, whether these refineries work or not.”

On Friday, Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin allowing Russian diesel exports despite Western sanctions imposed over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine offers reciprocal energy arrangement

Zelensky said Ukraine would suspend strikes against Russia’s oil and diesel infrastructure if Washington could guarantee that Moscow would stop attacking Ukraine’s electricity system. “Electricity is important to us,” he said. “If we can be guaranteed protection for our electrical system, we will not respond against Russian diesel infrastructure.”

Ukraine’s power grid is connected to the European network, Zelensky noted, meaning that an undamaged Ukrainian energy system could also supply cheaper electricity to European countries experiencing shortages. “So yes, let’s sign an appropriate ‘diesel deal’ with the president of the United States,” he said.

Trump announced on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an immediate “energy ceasefire,” but provided no terms, timetable or monitoring mechanism. Zelensky said Kyiv learned about the supposed agreement from the media and had not received confirmation that Moscow had accepted it. Ukraine refrained from striking Russian refineries overnight, according to Zelensky, while Russia continued attacking Ukrainian power facilities, including a thermal power plant in Kharkiv. Kyiv remains prepared to observe an energy ceasefire if Russia does the same and accepts enforceable guarantees, Zelensky said.

Source: kyivpost.com