# Exclusive: ‘It felt like a trap’ — how Ukraine was blindsided by Trump’s pivot toward Putin

https://mins.news/en/item/94561

- The Kyiv Independent, 2026-10-10 15:01 UTC
- World
- Original: https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-it-felt-like-a-trap-how-ukraine-was-blindsided-by-trumps-putin-pivot/

> U.S. envoys told Ukraine’s delegation on Oct. 9 that Trump was preparing to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, catching the Ukrainians off guard during talks on a possible energy ceasefire. Ukrainian officials feared the move would give Moscow revenue for its war and weaken Kyiv’s negotiating leverage.

## Related coverage

- [Zelenskyy says deadly Russian strikes were ‘thanks’ for Trump diesel deal](https://mins.news/en/item/94552) — The Guardian, 2026-10-10
- [Kyiv residents question Trump’s motives after diesel deal with Putin](https://mins.news/en/video/94495) — The Associated Press, 2026-10-10
- [Ukraine warns Trump-Putin diesel deal will fund Russia’s war](https://mins.news/en/item/94482) — Al Jazeera, 2026-10-10