Russian Bombs Kill Scores in Ukraine Following U.S. Fuel Deal with Moscow

UPDATE - follow-up to Russian attacks kill 11 in Ukraine after Trump strikes diesel deal with Putin: Russian aerial bombs struck residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia, killing at least 20 people, including three children, and wounding 18 others on October 10, 2026. Missiles also hit Kyiv in a daytime raid that injured four people, according to Mayor Vitalii Klitschko. These bombardments occurred as Ukraine struggles against a wave of attacks that have claimed over 60 lives in four days.

The Fuel Deal

The strikes followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a surprise deal to purchase Russian diesel. Mr. Trump stated he agreed to the arrangement during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, initially expected to cover a suspected plague case in Russia. The pact brings 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November 2026, one million tonnes right after, and another three million tonnes shortly thereafter. According to BBC News - World, the U.S. Treasury is suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7 to facilitate this.

Reactions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the agreement, labeling it a weak decision by strong partners that will bankroll and prolong the war. He argued that Russia would repay the deal with more terror, pointing to the deadly strikes on Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv as proof. European allies also criticized the move, with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas stating that easing pressure gives Moscow more war revenue and confirming that Europe will not follow suit.

Context

This arrangement marks a sharp reversal from U.S. sanctions signed just last month to curb Russian energy revenues. Analysts have noted that the initial fuel volume represents only a fraction of daily American consumption, raising questions about its impact on domestic prices ahead of midterm elections.