Russia believed to have given Iran satellite intelligence during US conflict
Under the terms Trump posted, Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to the American and global marketplace, with another 500,000 tons during November, 1,000,000 tons “immediately thereafter,” and, based on the condition of their diesel refineries, 3,000,000 tons “within a short period of time.” “Diesel prices for Americans and, indeed, the world, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!” Trump wrote. “Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my greatest priority.”
Zelenskyy immediately condemned the announcement, calling the deal “absolutely terrible” and “not fair and not honest.” In an interview with Axios, he said the deal “looks like a happy birthday present for Putin” — the Russian leader turned 74 earlier this week — and that it “looks absolutely terrible.” In a long social media post, Zelenskyy, who has had an uneasy relationship with Trump, said the agreement amounted to “an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged,” and that Russia was likely to repay it with “further terror and perfidy.”
“It plays into Russia’s hands – allowing it to kill more, wage war for longer, have even less respect for America, and inflict even greater losses and damage on the world,” Zelenskyy said. In a separate statement released by Ukraine’s embassy in Washington on Friday, he said the Ukrainian negotiators had been “used as a smokescreen for the deal,” which he called “a weak decision by strong partners.” “That is certainly not fair. It is certainly not how partners should treat each other,” he said.
Trump announced the oil deal as his envoys, Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, met with Ukrainian and European officials in Miami to discuss proposals to end the war.
Fuel prices have climbed sharply due to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically sensitive chokepoint that was the passageway for 20% of global oil supplies before the war. While costs have risen for motorists — with a gallon of fuel now averaging $4.20 — it is the soaring price of diesel, which last month rose to a record high of $6.52, that has inflicted the most political damage on Trump and the Republicans as November’s midterm elections approach. Diesel is the main supply chain fuel, and a rise in its costs feeds into consumer prices and also hurts US farmers, who need to operate machinery.
Democrats criticized the agreement, saying it undercut a law Trump signed last month that authorized broad sanctions on Russian banks, officials, and tankers, and directed him to impose steep tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas. The law gave Trump wide discretion to make exceptions to its provisions.
The agreement comes amid rising tensions between Russia and Washington’s NATO allies in Europe, with speculation that Moscow might be preparing military action intended to test the alliance’s resolve. Trump has recently criticized Ukraine for attacking Russian diesel refineries, calling on Zelenskyy to choose alternative targets. The Ukrainian leader rejected the request unless Russia accepted a reciprocal de-escalation plan that would stop Moscow attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Trump’s willingness to reach an agreement with Putin that will lower fuel costs comes despite Russia’s support for Iran in its war with the US. Russia is believed to have given Iran satellite intelligence and overhead surveillance data detailing the locations of American forces, ships, aircraft, and military bases. It has also provided drone components and ammunition.
The latest development is likely to lead to a further deterioration of Zelenskyy’s relationship with the Trump administration. Last year, in an explosive White House encounter with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the president told Zelenskyy: “You don’t have the cards.” But Trump has since reportedly grown disenchanted with Putin, expressing disappointment in his failure to reach a deal.