Trump announces deal for Russian diesel as Zelensky criticises 'gift to Putin'

NEW: Zelensky slams Trump's deal to allow Russian diesel sales as a 'gift to Putin', warning it will prolong a war that must be ended.

A gift to Putin. That's what Volodymyr Zelensky is calling Donald Trump's new diesel deal with Moscow.

The Ukrainian president says easing sanctions plays straight into Russia's hands and will prolong a war that has to end. His warning was blunt, Russia will repay this diesel with further terror.

Here's what's actually been signed away. The US Treasury has suspended sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 2027, and it formally issued the licence within hours of Trump's announcement. Other Russian assets stay frozen, but the fuel flows. Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev is already celebrating online, saying the cooperation will benefit the world.

Trump's motive is pump prices. Diesel in America is sitting at six dollars twenty eight a gallon after the Iran war sent energy costs through the roof. What nobody in Washington has explained is what Russia gave up in return. The BBC asked the White House. So far, silence.

This is Angel Manalo, reporting for HIT.