Russian Airstrikes Kill 11 in Zaporizhzhia Following Trump Diesel Deal with Moscow
Russian aerial strikes kill 11 in Ukraine after President Trump secures a major diesel supply deal with Moscow, sparking sharp criticism from Kyiv officials.
POLICY WIRE — Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine — A devastating Russian aerial bombardment struck residential areas in the Zaporizhzhia region on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including three children. Regional military administration head Mykhailo Semikin confirmed that the strikes targeted civilian housing, while Ivan Fedorov, co-chair of the regional defense council, reported that at least 16 others sustained injuries.
The lethal assault occurred just one day after President Trump announced a significant agreement to purchase diesel fuel from Russia. This development marks a sharp departure from long-standing U.S. policy aimed at isolating Moscow economically due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which has now persisted for more than 4 1/2 years.
President Trump disclosed the arrangement on social media Friday, stating the deal was finalized during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The agreement stipulates an immediate delivery of over 300,000 tons of diesel, with an additional 500,000 tons scheduled for November and 1 million tons to follow. Trump further noted, Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel.
The Treasury Department confirmed it would issue temporary waivers on existing energy sanctions to facilitate the influx of Russian fuel into the global market. This move directly contradicts a comprehensive sanctions package signed by the president just last month, which was designed to restrict the oil and gas revenues currently funding Russia’s military operations.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the deal, warning that the revenue would only serve to finance further violence. In an online statement, Zelenskyy argued that the agreement provides Russia with the means to prolong the conflict, stating, 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.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Washington characterized the move as a weak decision by strong partners. Meanwhile, the announcement coincided with meetings in Miami between Ukrainian officials and a U.S. delegation led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are currently discussing proposals to conclude the war.
Zelenskyy expressed deep frustration regarding the diplomatic process, noting, I believe our team is simply being used as a smoke screen. And that is certainly not fair. It is certainly not how partners should treat each other. The latest casualties in Zaporizhzhia contribute to a grim toll, with more than 60 people killed by Russian bombardments over the past four days alone.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)