WASHINGTON/KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Washington of betraying Ukraine after the United States allowed Russian diesel back into the market and began considering easing sanctions on vessels carrying Russian oil, according to the source report. US President Donald Trump has responded sharply, publicly saying it is time for Ukraine to have a new president.
Trump has said Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries are pushing up oil prices worldwide. The source report says he warned Kyiv to stop the attacks immediately, and that Zelensky did not back down.
Pressure on Kyiv
The report says the US then increased pressure on Ukraine. It says Washington slowed the speed of Starshield (Starlink) services that are vital to Ukrainian military communications, seriously disrupting Kyiv’s drone operations. The US has also reportedly warned it could halt intelligence sharing and arms supplies. Zelensky, who travelled to Brussels seeking funds, reportedly did not receive the level of support he expected from the European Union. The report says Zelensky is becoming increasingly isolated on the battlefield as a result of Trump’s strategy.
Impact on India
Analysts say more Russian fuel reaching global markets would lift supply and push crude prices lower. India already buys large volumes of Russian oil at discounted prices. Lower prices would reduce the import bill of Indian oil companies and ease fuel costs for domestic consumers, helping to bring down inflation and keep transport costs in check.