**Zelenskyy talks Trump, rising diesel prices and the ongoing war in his country | NPR — Transcript & Summary | SozAI**
Source: https://sozai.app/transcript/zelenskyy-trump-diesel-prices-ukraine-war/

Zelenskyy responds to Trump's Russian diesel supply deal, calling it a mistake that helps Putin fund the war, and discusses energy ceasefires and US-Ukraine communication.

## Key Takeaways

- Zelenskyy views the Russian diesel deal as a strategic mistake that increases Russia's war financing.
- Ukraine feels excluded from key US decisions and learns of them via media.
- Zelenskyy insists Russia responds only to strength, justifying continued strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
- Ukraine seeks to be treated as an equal strategic partner in negotiations.

## What the video covers

- Trump announced on Truth Social that Russia would supply diesel to US and global markets to lower prices for farmers, ranchers and truckers.
- Zelenskyy argues the diesel volume will not meaningfully lower US prices but will give Russia more money to finance the war.
- He says Ukrainians learned of key decisions, including an energy ceasefire, through the media rather than directly from the US.
- Zelenskyy attributes recent diesel and energy price increases to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz rather than Ukraine's actions.
- He rejects Trump's characterization of Ukraine's long-range drone strikes as sanctions-like, arguing Russia only understands strength and force.
- Zelenskyy frames Ukraine as a strong, politically resilient partner aligned with Europe and the American people.
- He reports recent productive conversations with the US, including frequent phone contact over the past two months.
- He endorses the principle that pressure on Russia's energy infrastructure is needed, echoing General Keith Kellogg's call to hit Russian refineries.
- Zelenskyy expresses frustration that the Trump administration may be placating Russia and questions how his case is being made to US negotiators.
- He emphasizes that dialogue is valuable but must be backed by strong positions in negotiations with Russia.

## Chapters

1. 00:00 Trump's Russian diesel announcement
2. 01:04 Zelenskyy on diesel prices and Russian financing
3. 01:48 Learning about the energy ceasefire via media
4. 02:53 Drone strikes as long-range sanctions
5. 05:25 Why the diesel decision is a weak move
6. 08:00 Ukraine's strength and partnership with the US
7. 09:00 Communication gaps and negotiations with US envoys
8. 12:00 Russia's language of strength and refinery strikes

Answers

## Questions about this video

Why does Zelenskyy believe Trump's Russian diesel deal is a mistake?

Zelenskyy argues the diesel volume will not meaningfully lower US prices but will give Russia additional money to finance its war against Ukraine. He calls it a weak decision by a strong partner.

What does Zelenskyy say about how Ukraine learned of US decisions?

He says Ukraine learned of announcements like the energy ceasefire through media reports rather than direct communication, and he wishes the US would keep Ukraine better informed as a true strategic partner.

How does Zelenskyy respond to calls to strike Russian refineries?

He says Russia understands only force and strength, so Ukraine must respond with pressure, and he references General Kellogg's view that Russian oil refineries should be taken out of commission.

## Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown

00:00

Speaker A

On Friday, President Trump announced on Truth Social that Russia would supply diesel to the US and global markets. And he wrote, "Lower prices for Americans, especially our great farmers, ranchers, and truckers. Those are my greatest priority."

00:16

Speaker A

obviously your greatest priority. And so, if you could explain to an American audience what this deal means for your country and for Russia's ability to finance its war on your country.

00:28

Speaker A

Now, the Ukrainian people are obviously your greatest priority. And so, if you could explain to an American audience what this deal means for your country and for Russia's ability to finance its war on your country.

00:47

Speaker A

Uh I'm sure. Yeah, because the volume is not enough. This is the first. The second, but it's not enough for United States, but it's quite enough for Russia to spend more time more more sorry more money much money

01:04

Speaker A

Thanks so much. So, first of all, about this decision, the decision of the President of the United States, this volume of diesel of course will not influence the price in the United States.

01:19

Speaker A

had a lot of meetings. We described our situations. He has all the information from intelligence. I'm sure this diesel will not help Americans, but will help Putin.

01:30

Speaker A

I'm sure. Yeah, because the volume is not enough. This is the first. The second, but it's not enough for the United States, but it's quite enough for Russia to spend more time, more, more, sorry, more money, much money on the war. I mean, this is a mistake. This is my opinion. And of course, maybe President Trump has his issues and he has his own right, his steps to decide what to do. But we had a lot of meetings. We described our situations. He has all the information from intelligence. I'm sure this diesel will not help Americans, but will help Putin.

01:41

Speaker A

Truth Social like you. Truth Social? We are together ordinary people. President [laughter] didn't call us.

01:48

Speaker A

Mm-hmm. How did you find out about the energy ceasefire that President Trump announced? Did he call you? Did you find out about it on Truth Social like I did? How did you find out about it?

01:52

Speaker A

We need the results for we are ordinary people and we need the result for ordinary people in Ukraine.

01:59

Speaker A

Truth Social, like you. Truth Social? We are together ordinary people. The President didn't call us.

02:18

Speaker A

that not only from you, but from the soldiers we've been with out in the field.

02:23

Speaker A

Yeah, yeah, but it's okay. I mean, it doesn't matter what way between us.

02:29

Speaker A

Like 100%, like this is what's causing it. I can't I can't be I It's okay for me.

02:39

Speaker A

We need the results, because we are ordinary people, and we need the result for ordinary people in Ukraine.

02:43

Speaker A

Yeah. Or Ukraine. Yeah, I mean, that So, when I know the truth, I'm strong because I know the truth.

02:53

Speaker A

What we need, if it's an energy ceasefire, if it can work this way by just announcing, "Okay, we will support." How do you feel when President Trump says that Ukraine's long-range drone strikes, as you also call them, are long-range sanctions? I've heard that not only from you, but from the soldiers we've been with out in the field.

03:12

Speaker A

you can see the time when the prices raise up. Yes? So, we know the time, at the same time, when the Strait of Ormus been blocked.

03:25

Speaker A

How do you feel when you hear him blame those for the high cost of diesel?

03:33

Speaker A

So, explain why you believe your strong partner, at least historically, is making a weak decision that benefits Moscow. Why do you think it happened?

03:44

Speaker A

Like 100%, like this is what's causing it. I can't, I can't be... It's okay for me.

04:02

Speaker A

Also, we are in Europe and we are strong strong enough and our army is strong and we are strong politically also. It's in our character. When Putin attacked us and began occupation, we didn't run away. We stood strong and always been on

04:20

Speaker A

I mean, this is not the first time. That's why it's okay for me. They're blaming you. Okay.

04:33

Speaker A

value such relations. We are more strong, much more strong partners than Russia. Yeah. And and that's why I think that the any strong steps when you strengthen your country.

04:50

Speaker A

Yeah. Or Ukraine. Yeah, I mean, that's... So, when I know the truth, I'm strong because I know the truth.

04:58

Speaker A

Mhm. And it's a pity additional money. It's mean additional weapon and it's mean additional more attacks on Ukraine.

05:08

Speaker A

Mm-hmm. And I'm very strong because mostly people in the world know why the prices on any kind of energy, including diesel, rose up. Why did they increase? Because of Hormuz. Because of blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Everybody understands that. And you can see the time when the prices rose up. Yes? So, we know the time, at the same time, when the Strait of Hormuz was blocked.

05:18

Speaker A

the truth. Mhm. And the second I react because when you get the news from media Mhm.

05:25

Speaker A

So, you called President Trump's diesel Russian diesel announcement a weak decision by a strong partner. So, explain why you believe your strong partner, at least historically, is making a weak decision that benefits Moscow. Why do you think it happened?

05:34

Speaker A

Mhm. Ukrainians have got the information through media. I wanted you know you're talking about sort of why don't they keep us in the loop? Why don't the Americans tell us what they're doing? You know, why do we have to find out about it from media? Do

05:48

Speaker A

I don't know all the reasons. And it's a pity. I think that we have to be true partners, strategic partners, and very strong, because I know that the United States is very strong, and I hope the United States understands that we are strong partners.

06:08

Speaker A

Oh, no. By the way, we had several conversations and then been good conversation during last two months. And really often communication with each other by phone and etc. So, I mean, we are very open any days. That's why I'm I'm in this It's our our

06:27

Speaker A

Also, we are in Europe and we are strong enough, and our army is strong, and we are strong politically also. It's in our character. When Putin attacked us and began occupation, we didn't run away. We stood strong and always been on this right side, on the side of Western partners, on the side of Europe, and of course on the side of the American people. And that's why I think that when you have such partners and such relations and such dialogue, you have to value such relations. We are much stronger, much stronger partners than Russia. Yeah. And that's why I think that any strong steps, when you strengthen your country... And I think this step will not have influence. It will only give some additional energy to Putin.

06:46

Speaker A

way, we we are open to meet and to decide. So, for us this is important.

06:52

Speaker A

Mm-hmm. And it's a pity, additional money. It means additional weapons, and it means additional attacks on Ukraine.

07:00

Speaker A

And afterwards President Trump's former Ukraine envoy General Keith Kellogg, he said and I quote, "I'd burn down every damn oil refinery Russia has today. I'd take them all out of commission." Is he right and will you continue striking Russian refineries despite

07:20

Speaker A

That's why my reaction was... I mean, this, with all respect to the President, by the way. I mean, my reaction was very open, because I think that we are true partners and we have to speak the truth to each other.

07:37

Speaker A

of any format of negotiations. But Russia doesn't understand. They really speak their language and it's not Russian language. It's weapon language and they understand only the strong position.

07:54

Speaker A

Mm-hmm. And second, I react because when you get the news from media...

08:07

Speaker A

understands only one thing. That's why we respond. Force. He only understands force. Yes, absolutely. That's why I understand what General Kelly said.

08:19

Speaker A

Mm-hmm.

08:29

Speaker A

I don't know. It's I mean this is President's choice because I don't know it maybe it's his tactics. I I really don't know.

08:37

Speaker A

...you react in media. I think so, because the United States, when they speak with Russia, not through media, by phone.

08:49

Speaker A

We are we are different people. I think that uh President Trump mhm I maybe he he likes such people.

09:00

Speaker A

Mm-hmm. Ukrainians have got the information through media. I wanted, you know, you're talking about sort of why don't they keep us in the loop? Why don't the Americans tell us what they're doing? Why do we have to find out about it from media? Do you feel like the Trump administration does not take you seriously as a partner in these peace negotiations? And do you feel like you can make your case to Jared Kushner or Mr. Witkoff to try to change that dynamic?

09:20

Speaker A

Um and the Pearl Initiative, have they discussed that with you? Um and and I ask this at least about the intelligence sharing because last night um when I heard several explosions in a row at my house and I got a bunch of

09:35

Speaker A

Oh, no. By the way, we had several conversations, and then, good conversation during the last two months. And really often communication with each other by phone, etc. So, I mean, we are very open any day. That's why I'm... It's our schedule. It doesn't matter when we speak about how to end this war, how to stop Putin, how to make a peace deal, like Americans said. I mean, we are open. Even if we are not here, we'll be in Brussels or in London or any way, we are open to meet and to decide. So, for us, this is important.

09:47

Speaker A

have they talk talked to you about it? And uh and also about the Pearl Initiative with weapons, are they going to continue that?

09:54

Speaker A

Mm-hmm. Um, so, I heard, you heard, and saw your talk at the Warsaw Security Forum.

10:00

Speaker A

Um And we had five ballistic missiles. Uh which we uh the direction was Kyiv Kyiv region.

10:08

Speaker A

And afterwards, President Trump's former Ukraine envoy, General Keith Kellogg, said, and I quote, "I'd burn down every damn oil refinery Russia has today. I'd take them all out of commission." Is he right, and will you continue striking Russian refineries despite President Trump's demands to stop?

10:23

Speaker A

You did not get the information. didn't get the information about ballistic missile. This is really our weak place because we get different information from different partners. Be honest, different partners.

10:37

Speaker A

Russia doesn't understand just words. It's a pity. Absolutely. In our century, I think the dialogue is a more powerful weapon, and a very humanitarian way...

10:54

Speaker A

So, we get from the United States very necessary information, but not only from the United States. But in anyway, we are thankful to Americans for for this information for to American side. This is very important. But we didn't get

11:07

Speaker A

Mm-hmm.

11:21

Speaker A

Intelligence sharing is continuing. uh they told my generals, not to me. Yeah. But if to honest, did we get any messages that it can be stopped if if if yes.

11:34

Speaker A

...of any format of negotiations. But Russia doesn't understand. They really speak their language, and it's not the Russian language. It's weapon language, and they understand only the strong position.

11:40

Speaker A

Yeah, like they've said that the that they that they're that they're threatening to stop it.

11:46

Speaker A

And that's why I said that lifting sanctions is weak for Russians in their eyes. Maybe from the other side you look to some logistical steps, logical steps, and they say no, no, it's not about it, not about Putin. He understands only one thing. That's why we respond. Force. He only understands force. Yes, absolutely. That's why I understand what General Kellogg said.

12:01

Speaker A

going. No, my generals what what my military stuff what what they did they tell that they've got messages from military people that that we we have such risk because of the situation and because of this situation.

12:22

Speaker A

Does it frustrate you then that President Trump continues to placate the Russians? Or I don't know if it's favoring the Russians, but at least placating the Russians?

12:36

Speaker A

This is something that Moscow has also called for and he has repeatedly raised the question of Ukrainian elections. So do you see this as an attempt to influence who leads Ukraine and how do you see your political future?

12:57

Speaker A

I don't know. It's, I mean, this is the President's choice, because I don't know, maybe it's his tactics. I really don't know.

13:11

Speaker A

And I'm focusing on it. When somebody wants to change me and of course I'm not comfortable.

13:21

Speaker A

How do you... Does it make you feel... really? Really? Mm-hmm. I'm not sure that you will like it.

13:36

Speaker A

And how to make elections, you know this problem. You live here. It's out of our law constitution, but it is not the first. This is very important, but during the war the securities is the priority number one. How to make

13:52

Speaker A

We are different people. I think that, uh, President Trump, mm, I maybe he likes such people.

14:09

Speaker A

And then President Trump also yes raised this topic. It's not something new for me. And and that's why I spoke with parliamentarians and we looked at this. We We the parliamentarians told me, "No, only after the war we can do this and after

14:28

Speaker A

I don't know, because you mean? Like Putin.

14:37

Speaker A

You know, first of all no chance to repeat the war. This is the first. Of course ceasefire you begin from this and etc., but this is very important. No chance. No chance to anybody in the world. First of all, of course we speak

14:55

Speaker A

I'm going to pivot a little bit to intelligence sharing and weapons again. Has the US explicitly threatened to withdraw intelligence sharing with Ukraine? And the PURL initiative, have they discussed that with you? I ask this at least about the intelligence sharing, because last night, when I heard several explosions in a row at my house, and I got a bunch of calls from my friends, the first, because I'm a journalist, the first thing they asked me is, "Do you know if they've stopped intelligence sharing?" And I said, "How would I know?" So, I wanted to ask you, has it stopped? Have they talked to you about it? And also about the PURL initiative with weapons, are they going to continue that?

15:15

Speaker A

All these generations who live now here in their country. And this is the first. So, and it's been security guarantees EU, by the way, one of the kind of security guarantees which we really need.

15:32

Speaker A

And I mean, the Trump

15:49

Speaker A

Yeah. The security guarantees from the United States direct good way. It's It's good way, but we need more details. What does it mean?

15:58

Speaker A

Well, and that's what you what what you're describing now. If Putin will attack us, Trump will attack Putin. This is the answer. If I have in the paper just just this, if Putin will attack Ukraine, Trump will attack Putin.

16:12

Speaker A

Point. security guarantee. That's all. We count on the United States. We hope that we will have strong partnership and a legal binding voted in Congress security guarantees.

16:26

Speaker A

If we are in NATO or between us, even if we are not in NATO, or sorry, if we are not in NATO and even if we are in NATO, I think our strong bilateral security decisions have to be.

16:43

Speaker A

It's important for both sides, I'm sure.

Topics: Zelenskyy Trump Russia Ukraine war diesel prices energy ceasefire Strait of Hormuz peace negotiations refinery strikes NPR interview

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