Trump’s Russian diesel deal: Letters to the Editor — Oct. 20, 2026

The Issue: President Trump pausing sanctions against Russia and purchasing a large amount of its diesel.

Every ton of diesel Russia sells funds the war machine that bombs Ukrainian cities, homes, schools and hospitals (“We must stop aiding vicious Vlad,” Editorial, Oct. 18).

If Russian diesel is bound for the American market, the United States will become a direct participant in financing the murder of Ukrainians.

Furthermore, Vladimir Putin’s regime has provided Iran with intelligence to target US service members in the Middle East. This should be met with pressure, not rewarded with fresh revenue.

Ihor Stelmach

South Windsor, Conn.

The Post’s editorial glossed over a key component of President Trump’s approach: Unfortunately, this conflict is all about money for the president.

Negotiations are not being led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but by two businessmen whose goal is to squeeze as much profit as possible out of the proposed sale of Lukoil.

Trump sees the Blue Wave coming next month and believes this is his last shot to reward large donors like Todd Boehly. Ukrainians and the free world are paying the price. It’s truly disgusting.

Daniel Kuncio

Manhattan

Trump has decided to honor the memory of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham by waiving major tariffs on countries doing business with Russia, a part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.

Why are we putting billions of dollars into Putin’s ability to keep his war against Ukraine going? Trump has completely turned his back on Ukraine, who Graham fought so hard to support. Shame on him!

Rob Feuerstein

Staten Island

I voted for Trump three times and up to now I’ve been OK with most of his decisions. But his Putin oil deal is so wrong. How in the name of God can he betray Ukraine?

Putin is a murderer who doesn’t care about human life, yet Trump allows him to bomb civilians and doesn’t want Ukraine to disrupt Russian oil. I’m so disappointed. I believe he just lost both houses come Nov. 3.

Denis Anderer

Southold

It is rare for me to agree with The Post’s editorial board, but you were right on the money with your criticism of Trump’s shameful treatment of Ukraine.

Everything he’s done is contrary to the ideals of America; we help the downtrodden, assist those in need of aid and we stifle the bully.

While I am not a conspiracist, I believe Vladimir Putin has something on Trump. What it is, we may never know.

Lou Maione

Manhattan

Since Russia invaded, the United States has spent over $195 billion to help the Ukrainian people preserve their democracy. Trump shouldn’t be able to get away with switching sides.

Every member of Congress should take steps to prevent the president from helping Russia win the war.

Paul Feiner

Greenburgh

This is an offense to civilization itself. The president has not only betrayed Ukrainians but the Western world too.

Add in the restrictions on Starshield, making it harder for Ukranians to detect incoming missiles and adequately defend themselves. Humanity is at stake.

Pete Sena

Naples, Fla.

Trump has enough issues on his own plate to deal with without adding cozying up to Russia to that list.

Even the gravely ill pope called for Putin to stop slaughtering Ukrainian infants. Yet Trump continues to buff up Putin’s coffers.

There’s an old Russian proverb which is apt here: “No matter how much you feed the wolf, he still stares into the forest.”

Ron Spurga

Manhattan

Trump just kissed away the midterm elections. His latest bowing to Russia solidifies the left’s argument that he is beholden to Putin.

Gifting the election to the Disastrous Socialists of America is a total nightmare. He needs to reverse course and slam Russia with sanctions.

If not, the question I will present to him is: Who’s your daddy?

Susan Cienfuegos

New Rochelle

Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *