Zelensky Criticizes Trump’s Diesel Deal with Russia

Defense & National Security: A Turbulent Development

Kyiv’s allies, including figures within President Trump’s circle, are rallying behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They are opposing Trump’s diesel deal with Russia and his threats to cut off weapons and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Zelensky, emboldened by this support, has openly criticized Trump. He called the president “weak” for negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky challenged Trump’s narrative on high diesel prices, attributing the U.S. conflict with Iran as the primary factor. In an interview with Fox News’s Bill Hemmer, Zelensky stated, “Everybody understands that the prices of diesel do not depend on our attacks on diesel in Russia. Everybody understands that it depends on the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz.”

Trump announced on Friday that he would lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports to lower U.S. prices. The announcement aims to quell concerns before the midterms as American voters worry about living costs.

Reactions to the Diesel Deal

Trump’s deal sparked immediate opposition from Ukraine’s advocates. Fox News host Mark Levin stated that Putin is the true barrier to peace in Eastern Europe, emphasizing the Kremlin’s backing of Iran against the U.S. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade debated with co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy, who supported Trump’s criticism of Zelensky. Kilmeade stated, “It would be the biggest mistake of his administration to work with Russia.”

Market Impact and Broader Developments

Oil prices increased on Monday after Iranian-backed Houthis attacked Saudi Arabian airports over the weekend. Brent Crude closed at nearly $106 per barrel, up from Friday, and West Texas Intermediate Crude hit $94.36 during Monday trading.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed uncertainty about the outcome of the war with Iran, marking eight months of conflict. Bessent commented on Fox News, “I don’t know what ‘crying uncle’ is in Farsi, but they’re going to be crying uncle. You know, they are collapsing.”

Additionally, Archbishop Timothy Broglio criticized the Trump administration’s decision to livestream the military execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted of the Fort Hood shooting. Broglio noted in a statement that this could “imitate the terrorists.”

The Pentagon and the Small Business Administration (SBA) signed an agreement on Monday to expand access to strategic capital for small businesses within the U.S. defense sector. This builds on the Smaller War Plants Commission, aiming to aid suppliers and manufacturers.

Events and Other News

Several events are occurring in the defense sector. The Association of the United States Army kicks off its annual meeting. The Hudson Institute hosts its Czech-US Defense and Security Forum. Government Executive Media Group’s Defense One discusses “The Future Battlefield.” The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation conducts a virtual talk on the Pentagon’s budget.

Other outlets report attacks in Saudi Arabia and changes in troop casualty counts from the conflict with Iran. Trending stories include political announcements and polling results.

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