Ukrainians Feel ‘Extremely Betrayed’ by Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal

Reporting from central Ukraine, FRANCE 24’s Gulliver Cragg says that “a lot of Ukrainians are feeling extremely betrayed” by a country they until recently saw not only as an ally but as a beacon of freedom and democracy. The Trump administration’s reported deal involving Russian diesel has deepened a sense of abandonment, with many Ukrainians questioning whether the United States still stands with them against Russian aggression. Cragg notes that admiration for the United States is disintegrating rapidly, as the deal appears to prioritize economic interests over solidarity with Ukraine. The shift in perception could have lasting consequences for the bilateral relationship and for Ukraine’s willingness to trust American leadership in future negotiations. The report captures the emotional and political fallout on the ground, where citizens and officials alike are grappling with the implications of a U.S. policy that seems to reward Russia. It also raises questions about the broader Western alliance and whether Ukraine can rely on its partners in the fight against Moscow.