Trump's Russian diesel deal and what it means for Ukraine | Ian Bremmer's Quick Take

President Trump is intensifying pressure on Ukraine by demanding an end to strikes against Russian oil refineries, citing rising diesel prices as the primary motivation. In a significant policy shift, Trump announced a deal to purchase refined products directly from Russia, contradicting previous stances against buying Russian oil. While the White House has threatened to withhold military support, the credibility of this threat is questioned due to the economic interests of the U.S. defense industry. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s potential to disable Starlink over Ukraine remains a critical tactical concern. These developments have inadvertently bolstered President Zelensky’s domestic popularity as Ukrainians "rally around the flag" against perceived American alignment with Putin. Despite Trump’s campaign promises to end the conflict in 24 hours, his current strategy focuses on pressuring the weaker party, Ukraine, while Russia continues to ignore American diplomatic overtures and expand its missile strikes against civilian infrastructure.