Zelenskyy criticises Trump's Russian diesel deal, warns it may extend conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised a reported proposal by US President-elect Donald Trump to allow diesel trade with Russia, calling it an "obvious weakness" that could extend the ongoing conflict.

Zelenskyy warned that permitting fuel supplies from Russia could undermine efforts to weaken Moscow economically and militarily. He expressed concern that such a move would benefit Russia and potentially prolong the war rather than bring it closer to resolution.

The comments reflect broader tensions over Trump's approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Trump has previously suggested he could quickly resolve the war, but his willingness to engage in negotiations that may include economic concessions to Russia has drawn scrutiny from Kyiv.

Zelenskyy's remarks underscore Ukraine's position that maintaining economic pressure on Russia remains crucial to limiting its ability to sustain military operations.