Trump Urges Zelensky Replacement Over Russian Diesel Row

Trump announced a deal Friday letting Russia export diesel, including to the U.S. Zelenskyy said his negotiators were being used as a smokescreen.

• 4.8 million tons of diesel will ship in stages, Trump said.
• Treasury issued a license about two hours after Trump's post.
• Witkoff and Kushner were meeting Ukrainian negotiators in Miami at the time.
• $6.28 is the U.S. average diesel price, down from a record $6.52.

Why it matters: Russia's energy exports have been restricted since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This is the first diesel license since then to run longer than the standard 30 days.

• A new law directs tariffs up to 100% on top Russian oil and gas importers.
• Zelenskyy said the revenue would go toward the war against Ukraine.

How 46 sources split on this story

Where they split: Trump presents the deal as cutting fuel costs for Americans. Zelenskyy and Democratic lawmakers say it funds Russia's war and undercuts congressional sanctions.

What’s next: The license covers Russian diesel loaded onto tankers as of Friday, through April 2027. Further supplies are set for next month.

• Putin said he and Trump agreed to continue contacts.
• Will the White House impose the sanctions Congress directed this month?
• Will the diesel arrive before the Nov. 3 election?
• Will the deal affect the Miami peace talks?