Zelenskyy on Trump's decision: Diesel Deal is first step, lifting of Russia sanctions will continue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists that a reduction in pressure on Russia will not help end the war but will instead signal to Vladimir Putin that his actions have support.

Source: Zelenskyy in response to questions from the press online, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Commenting on US President Donald Trump's decision not to impose new sanctions on Russia under the Graham Act, Zelenskyy said he believes that "the lifting of sanctions will continue".

Quote: "I believe the Diesel Deal is the first step. Unfortunately, I don't think Putin can be stopped this way. On the contrary, he feels pleased and happy to have this kind of support. Nevertheless, we very much hope – and I personally hope – that the President of the United States will do everything possible to make Putin stop the killings, stop the strikes on our energy infrastructure and stop this war."

Details: Zelenskyy added that neither restrictions on Ukraine's ability to retaliate against Russian attacks that kill Ukrainians nor the lifting of sanctions would stop Putin.

He also said the Ukrainian negotiating team had been in contact with the US side on Friday.

Quote: "They're arranging a meeting. I'm also willing to meet with them. I thought they would be able to find the time and opportunity to come to Brussels. The US side wasn't able to do so. But I think they'll find an opportunity this week, and we'll find a format for a meeting."

Background:

• Earlier on Saturday, Zelenskyy said the Graham Act could still be used to put pressure on Russia despite Trump's decision not to impose new restrictions under it for now.
• On 16 October, Trump signed an executive order suspending certain sanctions, restrictions and tariffs on Russia provided for under the Graham Act. The White House said the decision is in the US national interest.

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