Trump Says Putin Seeks Ukraine Settlement and Lauds Russian Oil Deliveries
US President Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin wants a settlement to end the war in Ukraine and claimed Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to make a deal. Trump also praised Russia for providing large amounts of low-priced oil after a bilateral diesel agreement was announced. His remarks followed a phone call with Putin on Friday.
Trump’s comments came after a Friday phone call with Putin and a Saturday exchange with reporters. He said Moscow wants a negotiated end, while claiming Kyiv has declined to close a deal. He also welcomed Russian oil exports as helping lower global energy costs.
Trump announced a diesel arrangement under which Russia would send more than one million metric tons to U.S. and international buyers through 2027. With U.S. midterms roughly a month away and diesel near $6 per gallon, he blamed Zelensky for refinery strikes and urged a change in Ukraine’s presidency.
The remarks may shape U.S. political debate before midterms, especially among farmers and transport firms facing high diesel costs. If Washington links energy relief to pressure on Kyiv, Ukraine’s war effort and diplomatic standing could be affected. Russian oil and diesel flows might ease some price pressures, though market and geopolitical reactions remain uncertain.