300,000 metric tonnes of diesel in focus as Trump defends Russian sanctions relief, lashes at Zelenskyy
Trump explains sanctions decision
Trump said he was negotiating to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. He argued that measures pushing Moscow away from talks would undermine that effort. The US president also accused Zelenskyy of lacking interest in ending the conflict. He referred to European financial support for Ukraine in making that claim.
Zelenskyy speaks with envoys
Zelenskyy held discussions with Witkoff and Kushner as fighting continued. The account does not give further details about the content of their conversation. The article also includes a statement condemning Putin as an aggressor and terrorist, but does not identify its speaker.
Diesel plans and energy attacks
Those prices had climbed after the US and Israel began a war on Iran in late February. Tehran then effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a route that had carried one-fifth of global energy exports before the war.
Strikes continue on both sides
Russia and Ukraine kept targeting energy facilities as the diplomatic exchanges unfolded. Russian strikes left thousands without electricity. Kyiv also carried out what the article describes as its largest drone attack on Russia since the war began, targeting St Petersburg.
Key points
- Trump said sanctions waivers would help keep Russia at the negotiating table.
- He accused Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war.
- Zelenskyy spoke with US envoys Witkoff and Kushner.
- Russia and Ukraine continued attacks on energy sites as Trump announced a diesel supply plan.