The agreement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin for a partial suspension of sanctions against Russia and the simultaneous purchase of 4.5 million tonnes of Russian diesel is not merely a betrayal and a stab in the back for Ukraine, which continues to fight against the Russian invasion. It is also a blow to Europe and its people.
For Ukraine, the agreement amounts to indirect financing of Russia. The billions of dollars expected to flow into Russian coffers will translate into new missiles, bombs and drones used to bombard Ukrainian cities and kill civilians, including while they sleep in their homes.
It also represents substantial support for the Russian economy at a time when the scale of the country's economic difficulties, brought about by five years of war and massive military spending, is becoming increasingly apparent.
At the same time, it sends a message of approval to Putin, encouraging him to continue the war, the destruction of Ukraine and attacks on civilians.
Europe also pays the price
The victims of Putin's war are not only Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
Europe has also borne the consequences since war returned to the continent after nearly seventy years. For five years, European citizens have paid a heavy price through shortages, soaring energy costs, higher prices for a range of products, new taxes, increased defence spending and lost revenues linked to sanctions imposed on Russia.
This is not done for Ukraine's sake alone, nor out of choice, but out of necessity.
The argument is that Russian expansionism must be contained and Europe itself protected. The concern remains that if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, it will not stop there.
Against that backdrop, Trump is accused of turning his back on Europe and effectively choosing sides by throwing a lifeline to Putin.
A different America
Trump's critics argue that he demonstrated pro-Russian and pro-Putin instincts from the moment he returned to power, alongside what they describe as hostility towards Europe.
In this view, Trump's America bears little resemblance to the United States that once led the Western alliance.
Claims that Russian diesel entering the market would significantly lower fuel prices are dismissed as little more than a justification for the agreement.
According to this argument, the volume of diesel involved is too small to have a meaningful effect on prices in either the United States or global markets.
The real impact
What could make a difference, the article argues, are the billions of dollars that would flow to Russia through such purchases.
Those funds, it concludes, could help finance the continuation of the war and lead to the deaths of more Ukrainian civilians.
