Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel,labeling the move "sickening." The former leader accused the Trump administration of forcing American motorists to fund Vladimir Putin's military operations in Ukraine.
The two-million-tonne diesel deal ahead of US midterms
President Donald Trump has moved to lift sanctions on Russian diesel, a decision aimed at reducing fuel prices for American drivers.. According to the report, the administration intends to purchase nearly two million tonnes of Russian diesel over the coming months to alleviate pressure at the pump.. This economic pivot comes as the Republican Party faces a predicted "bloodbath" in the upcoming midterm elections, heightening the pressure on Trump to deliver immediate relief to voters.
The deal is tied to an "energy ceasefire" announced by Trump on Truth Social,which purportedly requires both Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking energy infrastructure . However, this policy shift has created a significant rift between the White House and European allies who view the economic relief for the U.S. as a direct subsidy to the Kremlin's war effort.
Johnson's call for Royal Navy interception in the English Channel
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has emerged as a fierce critic of the Trump administration's pivot toward Russian energy. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Johnson described the agreement to lift sanctions as "outrageous," arguing that the deal effectively bankrolls the slaughter of Ukrainian civilians.
Boris Johnson's suggestion for Royal Navy interception goes beyond mere rhetoric, as he suggested the Navy should be prepared to intercept Russian fuel shipments attempting to pass through the English Channel. This stance marks a notable departure from his previous support for Donald Trump , whom he once praised for providing "strong leadership."
Zelensky's conditional stance on the "energy ceasefire"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the Trump-brokered energy truce. While Zelensky noted that Ukraine supports de-escalation, he characterized the deal as a "gift to Putin" that could ultimately extend the duration of the conflict.
President Zelensky has indicated a willingness to discuss elections in Ukraine, but only if Russia adheres to a strict 60-day ceasefire and maintains the protection of civilian infrastructure . As the report notes, Zelensky remains wary of Moscow's intentions, especially as the terms of the American-led deal remain unclear.
The discrepancy between Truth Social claims and Kharkiv strikes
A major point of contention remains the actual status of the "energy ceasefire" on the ground in Ukraine. Despite Trump's announcement of an immediate truce, reports indicate that Russian forces continued to strike critical infrastructure,including a power plant in Kyiv and facilities in the Kharkiv region.
The discrepancy between the administration's claims and the reality in Ukraine raises several critical questions.. First, how can an "energy ceasefire" be considered effective when strikes on Kharkiv resulted in civilian deaths immediately following the announcement? Second, will the influx of Russian diesel actually stabilize US fuel prices, or is Johnson correct in suggesting the impact will be negligible? Finally, the source of the initial fuel price spikes remains a point of political combat, with Trump blaming Kyiv and Johnson pointing to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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