Zelensky: US Permission for Russian Diesel Is a Birthday Gift to Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticised the decision by US President Donald Trump to lift sanctions on Russia and allow it to export diesel fuel. According to Zelensky, the step amounts to a birthday gift for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

With this remark, the Ukrainian leader has publicly condemned a Washington decision that concerns supplies of Russian oil products, specifically diesel. Russia has been waging a full-scale war against Ukraine, so any easing of sanctions is viewed in Kyiv as a matter that directly affects the country's security.

The source gives no further details on when the decision takes effect, what conditions apply, or what volumes might be involved. What is clear for now is that Zelensky regards the move as a favour to Putin.