Within 48 hours, Russian diesel will be delivered to the U.S.! No Ukrainian president would ever strike a deal with Trump.

Reports by Axios and other media outlets stated that Vitkov and Kushner warned Ukraine during negotiations that if it continued to ignore Trump’s demands and persisted in attacking Russian oil refineries, the U.S. might halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine—a vital component of this war. Trump himself has resumed attacking Zelenskyy and Ukraine, accusing Zelenskyy of ordering strikes on Russian refineries that drove up fuel prices: “He wants to create a diesel shortage for the whole world—and for our farmers.” Though I myself feel somewhat weary—perhaps even overly repetitive—I must reiterate: the real culprit behind rising diesel prices and shortages is not Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries, but rather Trump himself—the very one crying “thief” while committing the theft. Even Trump knows this: when he first blamed Ukraine’s refinery strikes for soaring diesel prices, he also cited the Middle East conflict as the primary cause—the foolish, botched war he launched and has since failed to conclude. In early January, Brent crude stood at $62 per barrel. Note well: Ukraine had already been conducting sustained strikes on Russian refineries at that time. By October 5, however, Brent crude had surged to $102.60 per barrel, and U.S. diesel prices had climbed from $3.80 per gallon before the Middle East conflict to a September peak of $6.529 per gallon. These figures alone make the truth clear. I am not criticizing Trump and Netanyahu for striking at the Ayatollah’s regime; rather, I condemn Trump’s foolish belief that he could replicate his Venezuela gamble in Iran—and his subsequent panic and timidity when the operation spiraled beyond his expectations, lacking the resolve to see the war through to its end and fully dismantle the Ayatollah’s regime. To those still supporting Trump: ask yourselves honestly—what tangible results has Trump’s war achieved? Has it toppled the Ayatollah’s regime? Has it forced the regime to abandon its nuclear program? While bombing Iranian military capabilities may represent a tactical success, it has culminated in comprehensive strategic failure. The Strait of Hormuz has shifted from free navigation to partial blockade. And what of the young Iranians who took to the streets earlier this year at Trump’s urging—only to be arrested and executed today? Many may have already forgotten: these young Iranians are now enduring daily torture and execution. These young Iranians are truly our comrades-in-arms. Watching them suffer and die is an unbearable sorrow for me. Trump’s open betrayal—of Ukraine and Europe—has triggered strong reactions across the board. For now, I’ll set aside Democratic responses and focus solely on reactions within Trump’s own party—even among MAGA supporters. Multiple Republican lawmakers have sharply criticized Trump’s energy agreement with Putin. Republican Representative Don Bacon publicly stated: “Seventy percent of Americans support Ukraine—so why go against public sentiment? Funding Russia’s war economy is morally wrong, because those funds are used to bomb cities and civilians. The President’s policies toward Russia and Ukraine constitute a failure. We need moral clarity—not moral ambiguity.” Bacon and fellow Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick are preparing to introduce the ‘Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act,’ which would prohibit any U.S. entity or individual from purchasing Russian oil or related products.

Six bipartisan senators urge Trump to step back from the brink.

On Sunday, six bipartisan senators called on Trump to “immediately reverse course” on his plan to purchase Russian diesel. Trump had announced the oil-purchase agreement with Putin on Friday via social media—shocking lawmakers. Four Republican and two Democratic senators signed the protest statement released Sunday. They noted that the administration had neither consulted Congress nor submitted any legal justification for its decision—as required by law. The senators pointed out that Congress explicitly banned imports of Russian energy in 2022 to prevent U.S. funding of the war. Their joint statement emphasized: “Congress was unequivocal: the United States must not import oil from Russia until Russia ends its aggression against Ukraine and ceases threatening NATO allies. Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports directly violates this law.” Trump is truly grasping at straws in desperation. Russia itself faces acute diesel shortages. Even if Putin goes to extraordinary lengths to accommodate Trump, the available supply would be a mere drop in the bucket—utterly insufficient to meaningfully lower fuel prices.

Trump's Diesel Deal with Putin Sparks GOP Concern Before Vote

3 days ago

President Trump's proposal to increase Russian diesel exports to lower fuel prices has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans ahead of midterm elections. Opponents argue the move violates existing sanctions laws and risks funding Russia's war effort in Ukraine.

bloomberg

2026-09-23

Trump’s Push for a Diesel Export Ban Threatens to Squeeze Key US Allies

2026-09-23

Trump Considers Ban on US Diesel Exports, Threatening Global Markets

2026-09-23

Diesel Prices Are Spiking; In Battleground States, Voters Are Noticing

2026-09-24

Trump-Backed US Diesel Export Ban Projected to Lower Prices Initially

2026-09-25

Trump's Diesel Export Ban Talk Increases US Export Profitability