Zelensky: Diesel Deal Is Easy Win for Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Donald Trump must understand that Russia wants him to be weak. Zelensky made the remark in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan and added that the diesel deal is an easy victory for Putin.

According to him, the agreement between Russia and the United States on the export of Russian diesel fuel to American and world markets has become a tactical victory for Putin.

Zelensky said Ukraine has always been grateful to Trump and the American people for their support. In his words, the bombing of Ukraine's energy sector, after Trump's words on halting energy strikes, is aimed directly against him personally.

"They [the Russians] do not care what America thinks. They do not care about elections in the US. They are truly concerned about what Ukraine will do, because, once again, that is their goal. They hate Americans," Zelensky said.

Ukrainian President also mentioned the blocking of Starlink and said that this too is an easy, tactical victory for Putin. According to Zelensky, Starlink is used to protect the civilian population, but the military also uses it on the battlefield.

"Now Putin is laughing. Because for him this is an easy victory - this diesel deal. The same goes for blocking Starlink. [...] Why is Putin laughing? Because this is an easy victory for him - he is losing on the battlefield. So many people he lost in 2026 - an enormous number, the largest during this war," Zelensky said.