Russia Launches Deadly Airstrikes In Ukraine After Trump-Putin Diesel Deal, Eight Killed

Kiev: Russian air strikes have caused massive devastation in the Zaporozhye region of Ukraine. At least eight people, including three children, were killed in the attacks targeting residential buildings, according to local officials. 16 other people were injured in the attack. Ivan Fedorov, co-chairman of the regional defence council, said several buildings were damaged when Russian aerial bombs fell on residential areas on Saturday. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's alleged announcement regarding diesel import from Russia has created a new controversy in international politics. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the move, fearing it could provide economic support to Russia to continue the war.

How many people were killed?

The attack in Zaporozhye has happened at a time when the series of air strikes between Russia and Ukraine continues. According to local officials, the Russian bombing damaged residential buildings and hit several families. More than 55 people have been reported dead in Ukraine in the last four days. Concern about the safety of citizens has increased due to continuous attacks. More than four and a half years have passed since the war between Russia and Ukraine, but there are still no clear signs of the conflict ending. 

Why did Trump decide to buy diesel from Russia?

US President Donald Trump announced the diesel supply agreement after a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Trump, Russia will immediately provide more than three lakh tons of diesel. After this, there is a plan to supply additional five lakh tonnes and then ten lakh tonnes in November. Trump's announcement also talked about providing not three lakh but about three lakh tonnes more diesel in the future. The objective of this agreement is said to be to increase the availability of fuel in the US and global markets and to control rising prices.

Why did the agreement increase difficulties amid sanctions on Russia?

This decision is also important because America had imposed sanctions on Russia to maintain economic pressure due to the Ukraine war. Now questions are being raised about the change in American policy by allowing the supply of Russian diesel. According to reports, the US administration has also granted temporary relaxation in some restrictions imposed on Russian fuel for this supply. Trump argues that this can help in reducing fuel prices. However, energy market experts have raised questions on its effectiveness. According to him, how much impact the additional supply will have on prices will depend on the market situation and actual supply. 

Why did Zelensky criticise Trump's decision?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed displeasure over the agreement, saying that allowing Russia to sell oil products could help prolong the war. He says that Russia's extra income from energy business can be used to continue the war. Zelensky described this decision as a weak move by stronger allies and said that instead of making concessions to Russia, concrete steps should be taken to stop the war. 

How will US-Ukraine relations change amid peace talks?

The announcement of the diesel deal came as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were negotiating a peace proposal with Ukrainian representatives in Miami. Zelensky expressed disappointment at the agreement reached at this time and said that it was not appropriate to take such a step amid talks between Ukrainian representatives. This development is expected to increase tension in relations between America and Ukraine. Now all eyes are on what impact the fuel deal has on the Russia-Ukraine war and peace talks.