Donald Trump Imports Russian Diesel and Calls for Zelensky's Replacement

President Donald Trump has shifted U.S. policy toward Russia, announcing a waiver to import millions of barrels of Russian diesel to lower domestic gas prices before midterm elections. Trump also unilaterally declared an energy ceasefire regarding infrastructure, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky abandoned the agreement following continued Russian bombing. Trump further strained relations with Kyiv by calling for Zelensky to be replaced and blaming Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries for rising global fuel prices.

Ukraine reported a critical shortage of Patriot air defense munitions and claimed the White House temporarily limited access to SpaceX satellite terminals, resulting in the loss of military drones. While Trump denied limiting Starlink access, Zelensky accused the U.S. president of betraying Ukraine and argued that fuel costs are actually driven by a U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.

In response to the U.S. pivot, the European Union approved its largest expansion of sanctions against Russia since the war began, specifically targeting ballistic missile production. French President Emmanuel Macron deployed naval forces to intercept the Russian ghost fleet used to circumvent sanctions. To offset the reduction in U.S. support, Germany is transferring ten Patriot batteries to Ukraine, while France and Italy plan to deliver Aster 30 missiles by October 2026. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting visited Washington DC to advocate for restored harmony between the White House and Kyiv.