Episode Details

I examine the backlash to Donald Trump’s reported agreement with Vladimir Putin to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports—an amount described as roughly a week or less of U.S. diesel needs. Ukraine argues that it cannot be asked to pause strikes on Russian refineries unless Russia also stops attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, with reciprocal commitments and real guarantees.

I also assess criticism from Mike Pence, Keith Kellogg, Don Bacon, Brian Fitzpatrick, Boris Johnson, and Brit Hume; the dispute over whether refinery strikes drove fuel prices after the Strait of Hormuz closure; and congressional plans to block Russian oil purchases. Trump’s calls for Volodymyr Zelensky’s replacement and questions surrounding Starlink deepen the stakes. My central argument is straightforward: a credible ceasefire requires leverage on Moscow, not unilateral concessions that weaken deterrence and reward continued Russian attacks.

00:00 Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal and Ukraine’s Response

02:56 Kellogg, Don Bacon, and Strikes on Russian Refineries

06:05 Trump’s Zelensky Claims and the Starlink Question

08:13 Congress Moves to Block Russian Oil Purchases

10:05 Trump’s Case for a Deal With Putin

12:01 Why Pressure on Putin Is Necessary for Peace

14:30 Political Backlash and Strategic Consequences

#UkraineRussiaWar #RussianDiesel #TrumpPutin #Zelensky #RussiaSanctions #Deterrence

Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship.

Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/

***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: *****

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes

Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes

YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership

🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine

https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

*****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: *****

🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine.

Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/

🇺🇸 Alternatively, you may choose to donate to Samaritan’s Purse:

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ukraine-response/?utm_source=FY22UkraineResponseVanityURL&utm_medium=direct&utm_campaign=m_YUKR-22L3&utm_content=Ukraine-Response-Redirect%20%20

🇺🇦 If you wish to support the Ukrainian Army, give directly to United 24. Follow this link: https://u24.gov.ua/

***BUY SOMETHING TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE ***

🇺🇦 If you purchase from Saint Javelin with my link below, a cut of the proceeds will go directly to humanitarian aid for soldiers (bandages, tourniquets, etc.). I don't get the re