EU warns US diesel sanctions relief fuels Russia’s war in Ukraine

European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned Saturday that easing sanctions on Russian diesel would provide Moscow with additional revenue to fuel its war against Ukraine, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a fuel supply agreement.

Issued on: 10/10/2026 – 17:06

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“Russian strikes killed more than 80 Ukrainian civilians in two days, and Moscow has escalated hybrid attacks against EU and NATO members,” Kallas posted online.

Suspending sanctions on Russian diesel would give Moscow more revenue to fund its war effort, and Europe must not ease pressure on Russia at this time, she said.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that he had secured a major diesel release from Russia, framing the move as a cost‑cutting measure ahead of the midterm elections.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the agreement as unworthy and weak, while the EU pledged to intensify its sanctions pressure on Moscow.

EU foreign ministers will meet on Monday to add approximately 1,600 individuals and entities to the EU’s sanctions blacklist concerning the war in Ukraine.

Moscow has intensified its deadly bombardment of Ukraine in recent months, causing civilian casualties to soar.

Early Saturday, Russian forces struck residential neighborhoods in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia with five guided aerial bombs, according to Ukraine’s national police service.

At least 15 people were killed in the attack, including three children, according to Ukraine’s state rescue service.

US, Ukrainian and European officials convened in Miami on Friday for a renewed diplomatic push to end the conflict.

President Trump, who frequently presents himself as a peacemaker, has sought a settlement since taking office earlier this year.

US envoy Steve Witkoff said on social media that the constructive discussions focused on de‑escalation pathways and a lasting peace with Russia before winter.

Witkoff added that the meeting included representatives from the E3, the European Commission, Ukraine and NATO.

The Kremlin reported that Trump conveyed his proposals to President Putin during a phone call on Friday, and Putin received them with understanding, though details were not disclosed.

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