Zelensky accuses Trump of using Ukraine peace talks as 'smokescreen' for Russian diesel deal

From the Newshound archive · first published 10 October 2026.

Volodymyr Zelensky has furiously branded Trump's decision to lift diesel sanctions on Russia a "weak decision by strong partners," saying his negotiating team in Miami was used as cover for the move. Trump announced the deal directly on Truth Social while his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were still sitting across the table from Ukrainian officials. The six-hour Miami session had aimed at a postwar economic package and new security architecture, but the diesel announcement blew it apart.

Trump said lifting Russian diesel sanctions was essential to cut US fuel prices, which have soared since his decision to go to war with Iran.

Democrats called the deal a betrayal of Ukraine and US national security, as Ukraine struck a major Russian datacentre in apparent retaliation.