Trump Gives Putin a Hand in Russia’s Economic War With Ukraine
President Trump is moving to buy Russian diesel while also pressuring Ukraine to halt attacks on refineries, a lifeblood of Moscow’s war machine. Smoke rising from fires at an oil refinery after what the authorities said was a Ukrainian drone strike in Moscow last month. Credit... Reuters By Constant Méheut Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine Oct. 12, 2026 The New York Times JB -- SEE ALSO With the front lines largely frozen, Russia and Ukraine have turned the war into a contest of economic endurance. Kyiv has gone after Russia’s oil refineries. Moscow has hit Ukraine’s ports and heavy industries . On Friday, President Trump sided with Russia in this all-important battle. The American leader announced a deal to buy Russian diesel fuel and stepped up pressure on Ukraine to stop striking Russian refineries. The diesel agreement, if it goes ahead, could send some $4 billion of American money into the Russian economy, energy experts said. A halt to refinery strikes, if Ukraine accede...