US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of damaging Ukraine as tensions between Washington and Kyiv deepen over a controversial diesel agreement with Russia.
The latest confrontation follows Ukraine’s decision to resume attacks on Russian oil refineries despite Trump’s efforts to secure a ceasefire covering energy infrastructure.
Trump criticised the renewed strikes on Thursday, describing them as a disgrace and warning that they could keep global fuel prices high.
Speaking to Newsmax, the US president also suggested that negotiating with Zelensky had become more difficult than dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The remarks come as Ukraine faces continued Russian missile and drone attacks, growing uncertainty over American military support and mounting pressure to reach an agreement ending the war.
The diplomatic dispute has raised questions about Washington’s commitment to Kyiv and whether Trump’s latest approach could strengthen Moscow’s negotiating position.
Trump turns up pressure on Zelensky
The disagreement between Trump and Zelensky has escalated since Washington announced a deal allowing Russian diesel exports to return to American and international markets.
Trump argues that restoring Russian fuel supplies could ease pressure on global energy prices.
His administration has also criticised Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, which Washington believes are contributing to rising diesel costs.
However, Zelensky maintains that Ukraine has the right to target infrastructure supporting Russia’s military operations.
The Ukrainian leader has accused Trump of putting economic interests ahead of Ukraine’s security.
Earlier this month, Trump went further by suggesting Ukraine should replace Zelensky with someone more willing to negotiate an end to the war.
His remarks prompted concerns about the future of American support for Ukraine, which has relied heavily on Western military equipment, intelligence and financial assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Zelensky defies Trump’s energy ceasefire
The latest confrontation follows the collapse of an attempted agreement to suspend attacks on energy facilities.
Trump announced earlier this week that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop targeting each other’s energy infrastructure.
Ukraine subsequently suspended strikes on Russian refineries.
However, Kyiv accused Moscow of continuing attacks on Ukrainian power stations and other infrastructure, undermining the proposed arrangement.
On Thursday, Zelensky announced that Ukraine would resume its operations against Russian oil facilities.
Speaking to the Financial Times, he said Ukraine was no longer prepared to observe the restrictions.
Ukrainian forces subsequently carried out strikes against Russian oil infrastructure, prompting Putin to warn of retaliation.
Moscow has played down the impact of Ukrainian attacks on its energy industry but has maintained its military offensive against Ukraine.
The latest developments have complicated attempts to negotiate a ceasefire, with both sides accusing each other of undermining diplomatic efforts.
Why Trump’s diesel deal with Putin is causing controversy
The disagreement centres partly on Trump’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports.
Under the arrangement announced on 9 October, Russia would be allowed to supply nearly five million US tons of diesel to American and international markets.
The agreement followed discussions between Trump and Putin as the US administration sought ways to reduce rising fuel costs.
Zelensky condemned the decision, arguing that increased Russian energy sales could provide Moscow with additional revenue to finance its military operations.
He also described the agreement as a political victory for Putin.
The Ukrainian president subsequently expressed frustration with Washington, saying he felt betrayed by the decision.
Critics of the deal argue that loosening energy restrictions risks weakening the economic pressure Western governments have applied to Russia since the invasion.
Trump, however, has defended his approach as an attempt to stabilise energy markets and create conditions for further negotiations.
Ukraine’s military support faces fresh uncertainty
Beyond the dispute over diesel, Kyiv has raised concerns about restrictions affecting American-backed technology used by Ukrainian forces.
Reuters reported that an instruction to restrict Ukraine’s access to certain Starshield satellite services originated from within the White House.
The restrictions reportedly affected military communications and some drone operations.
Ukrainian officials said the disruption created difficulties for equipment relying on satellite connectivity.
Although some services have since been restored, the episode has increased concern over Ukraine’s dependence on American technology.
Questions have also emerged about whether Washington could reduce intelligence sharing or military assistance if Kyiv continues attacking Russian energy facilities.
Any significant reduction in American assistance could affect Ukraine’s ability to defend its cities and military positions against Russian attacks.
These concerns come as Russia continues its missile and drone campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure.
European leaders back Ukraine amid Trump dispute
European governments have continued to express support for Kyiv despite the worsening disagreement with Washington.
At a summit in Brussels on Friday, European Union leaders reaffirmed their commitment to helping Ukraine withstand Russian attacks.
Zelensky appealed for additional air defence systems, financial assistance and support for Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
Ukraine faces an estimated $32.6 billion budget shortfall next year and requires substantial military funding to maintain its defence.
European leaders have warned that ending the conflict must not leave Ukraine exposed to another Russian invasion.
The latest dispute has also increased pressure on European governments to consider how they could support Kyiv if Washington reduces its involvement.
For Britain and other European countries, the conflict remains a major security concern because of its implications for regional stability, energy prices and defence spending.
What happens next in the Russia-Ukraine war?
The immediate challenge facing Washington, Kyiv and Moscow is whether diplomatic discussions can continue despite the growing disagreements.
Trump maintains that a negotiated settlement remains possible, but Zelensky insists that any agreement must include reliable guarantees against future Russian aggression.
Russia has continued its military operations while warning that further Ukrainian attacks on its energy infrastructure will trigger retaliation.
Meanwhile, European governments are seeking to maintain support for Ukraine and prevent divisions among Western allies from weakening Kyiv’s position.
The dispute also carries wider economic implications.
Any escalation involving Russian oil facilities, energy exports or international sanctions could affect global fuel markets, including countries dependent on imported petroleum products.
For Nigeria, a major crude oil producer that also imports certain refined petroleum products, sustained changes in international energy prices could influence fuel costs, government revenue and business expenses.
However, the eventual impact would depend on global crude prices, refined-product supply, exchange rates and domestic market conditions.
With the war continuing and diplomatic relations under strain, there is still no clear indication that Russia and Ukraine are close to reaching a lasting peace agreement.
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