Donald Trump, criticized by the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine for the agreement reached with Vladimir Putin

Former United States ambassador to Ukraine, Steven Pifer criticizes President Donald Trump for the decision to lift sanctions on imports of Russian diesel fuel, in a statement recently given to the Kyiv Post. Pifer argues that the measure could contribute to financing Moscow’s war effort and weaken the pressure exerted by Washington on Russia to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

According to the former diplomat, American purchases would direct dollars to Russia, money that could be used to buy missiles and bombs. He called the decision “very unwise” and warned that it undermines Trump’s own mediation efforts.

Pifer nevertheless believes that the agreement between Trump and Vladimir Putin will not significantly reduce the global price of diesel fuel. The quantity estimated for October, 300,000 tons, would represent less than half of the United States’ daily diesel consumption.

Steven Pifer was the U.S. ambassador to Kyiv between 1998 and 2000. Previously, from 1996 to 1997, he worked on the U.S. National Security Council, handling Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia.

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