The United States is hoping that an agreement allowing Russian diesel exports will help persuade Moscow to return to negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, although Ukrainian officials remain sceptical about Washington’s approach.
US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, conveyed the proposal to Ukrainian officials during a meeting in Miami on Friday, October 9. They reportedly explained that the diesel agreement was part of a broader effort to restart negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
The arrangement, announced by Trump last week, allows Russia to supply more than 2.25 million barrels of diesel to US and global markets following a temporary easing of American sanctions on Russian fuel exports.
US officials believe the agreement could signal Washington’s willingness to engage economically with Moscow, potentially encouraging Russian President Vladimir Putin to reconsider his position on peace negotiations.
However, the proposal has generated criticism in Ukraine and among Western allies, who fear that easing restrictions could provide Russia with additional revenue to sustain its military campaign.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has described the agreement as a weak decision and a gift to Putin. Ukrainian officials attending the Miami meeting were also reportedly unconvinced that commercial concessions would persuade Moscow to compromise on its territorial demands.
A person close to the Kremlin said Putin wanted Russia to gain control of the remaining 11 per cent of the Donbas region before agreeing to a peace settlement. Ukraine has rejected further territorial concessions, although a ceasefire based on existing front lines remains a possible negotiating option.
The discussions also covered security guarantees for Ukraine and reconstruction funding. However, the participants reached no formal agreement.
Trump subsequently announced an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but neither side had confirmed the arrangement. Russian forces reportedly continued striking Ukrainian energy targets on Monday, October 12.
The latest diplomatic effort highlights Washington’s attempt to use economic incentives to restart negotiations, but significant disagreements over territory and security continue to obstruct progress towards a lasting settlement.
Leave a comment