🔶Escalation of Differences Between Zelensky and Trump; Concerns and Measures in Europe

The dispute between Donald Trump, the President of the United States, and Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, over attacks on Russian oil refineries has become one of the most severe crises in relations between Washington and Kyiv. Zelensky, who previously tried to maintain his relationship with Trump, is now openly opposing his requests, saying that Ukraine’s voluntary limits on attacks on Russian energy facilities have come to an end. At the same time, reports point to efforts to reach an agreement regarding the Starlink satellite network, as well as Russia and the United States planning new joint economic initiatives.

One of the main factors behind the worsening differences is Donald Trump’s agreement with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, to supply Russian diesel to the global market. Based on published reports, this deal allows Russia to export up to 4.8 million tons of diesel despite sanctions. Trump has also, at the same time, asked Ukraine to stop its attacks on Russian oil refineries—attacks that harm Russian revenues.