Trump stands firm on Russia diesel deal despite global criticism.

US President insists move benefits Americans, sparks outrage in Washington and Europe.

Washington: President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports into the United States temporarily. This move has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers at home and allies abroad. Trump argued the policy aimed to lower fuel costs for Americans and framed it as part of his “America First” agenda.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused the media of double standards, pointing to Europe’s past reliance on Russian energy. “The European Union paid Russia 250 Billion Dollars for Energy, and the Fake News Media doesn’t want to get near that story,” he wrote. His figure roughly aligns with estimates of EU spending on Russian fuel since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, though the bloc has since moved to reduce its dependence.

The announcement has triggered bipartisan backlash in Washington. A group of six senators, including four Republicans, urged the administration to reverse course, warning that the deal risks strengthening Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war effort. Representative Michael McCaul of Texas echoed those concerns, cautioning that lifting sanctions on Russian oil could embolden the Kremlin while undermining US support for Ukraine.

European officials also voiced alarm. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas dismissed Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should hold elections, stressing that such a step would be impossible without a ceasefire. She defended President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership, countering Trump’s claim that the Ukrainian president has failed to advance peace efforts.

Trump, meanwhile, has continued to criticize Zelensky, blaming him for obstructing a resolution to the conflict and noting that Ukraine has not held elections since the war began. His remarks come amid frustration over being overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize, which he has repeatedly claimed he deserved.

The diesel deal underscores the tension between Trump’s domestic priorities and international commitments. While the administration argues the imports will ease pressure on US consumers, critics warn that the policy undermines sanctions designed to isolate Russia and could weaken Western unity against Moscow’s aggression.

As the debate intensifies, Trump remains adamant that his decision was the “right choice” for Americans, even as European allies and members of his own party question whether short‑term economic relief is worth the geopolitical cost.