Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the United States' decision to lift sanctions on Russia, describing the move as neither fair nor honest. In a phone interview with Axios on Friday, Zelensky expressed frustration with President Trump's unilateral action to allow Russian diesel exports.
Zelensky compared the timing of the announcement to a birthday gift for Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose birthday occurred earlier in the week. The Ukrainian leader stated that the development looked terrible to his government. This reaction highlights the strain in relations between the U.S. and its Western allies following the policy shift.
The decision shocked Ukrainian and European officials. It came while U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were meeting in Miami with Ukrainian negotiators. Senior diplomats from Germany, France, the UK, the EU, and NATO were also present to discuss new American ideas for ending the war. The sanctions relief was announced shortly after a call between Trump and Putin.