Zelensky warns oil pact could embolden Russia

President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply attacked the oil agreement between the United States and Russia, describing it as a “gift” that will not bring peace. He said the deal would enable Russia to fund further terror and deception, extending the conflict. Zelensky urged that allowing Russian petroleum products into the market is akin to financing a war that must be ended, not expanded. He called for equal and genuine steps from both sides to lower tensions and appealed to Washington to mediate a reciprocal understanding that would stop attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure while also halting Ukrainian strikes on Russian facilities.