Trump Hands Victories to Putin, Who Offers More War in Return
Russia has reaped a diesel deal and an increase in U.S. pressure on Ukraine as President Trump’s political needs align with his longstanding inclinations toward Russia. President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia in Moscow this month. Credit... Igor Ivanko/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images https://www.nytimes.com/by/paul-sonne By Paul Sonne Reporting from Berlin The New York Times Published Oct. 13, 2026 Updated Oct. 14, 2026, 1:03 a.m. ET The wins for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia came in rapid succession from Washington. President Trump proffered sanctions relief for Russian diesel fuel. He publicly called for Ukraine to get a new leader. And he pressured Kyiv to stop a strike campaign against Russian oil facilities that has damaged the Russian economy. Mr. Putin, in return, offered more war. Minutes after Mr. Trump announced the diesel deal, the Kremlin reiterated Mr. Putin’s stance that he would not negotiate with Ukraine at the moment, because he remained angry abo...