Christopher Ford
The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign (England and Wales) is calling a protest at the American Embassy in London for the evening of Friday, October 16. Christopher Ford explains why.
Since Donald Trump became President, the United States has increasingly acted not as an ally of Ukraine but as an assistant to Russia in its war of aggression. The so‑called Diesel Deal is only the latest and most blatant act of betrayal.
Russia has been struggling on land and at sea against Ukraine’s resistance. Unable to secure victory, the Kremlin’s strategy has become one of terror— seeking to make Ukraine unliveable through relentless bombardment of major cities. This is a strategy of war crimes.
In the face of this, the Trump administration has systematically sought to limit Ukraine’s ability to defend itself—holding back vital air‑defence sales and capabilities, obstructing weapons procurement, and now suspending sanctions to enable trade with Russia over diesel.
Washington’s actions have emboldened the aggressor and undermined Ukraine.
The betrayal runs deep. The United States has lifted major sanctions on Putin’s ally Belarus, offered diplomatic cover through UN votes and red‑carpet visits, and spread Russian disinformation.
The suspension of restrictions on US–Russia diesel deals marks a decisive turn: Trump has abandoned pretence and aligned openly with Putin.
This is not only about the price of diesel. If the administration cared about energy supply, it could cooperate with Canada or end its war with Iran. Instead, Trump seeks to blame Ukraine for the energy crisis and to normalise relations with Russia—at the cost of Ukrainian lives.
The US has even threatened to cut off intelligence‑sharing and block weapon channels to coerce Ukraine into halting drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. Meanwhile, the invitation of Vladimir Putin to the G20 Summit in Miami on 14th–15th December 2026 symbolises the full embrace of an axis with Putin and appeasement.
All who stand with Ukraine must recognise that Trump cannot be trusted.
His administration has actively undermined Ukraine, emboldened Putin, and deepened civilian suffering. Any ‘peace’ on Trump’s terms would impose partition and cement occupation—serving the common authoritarian, corporate and oligarchic interests of both Trump and Putin.
The Labour government, the labour and trade union movement and wider civil society must oppose this latest Trump–Putin deal as a betrayal of Ukraine.
We call on the Labour government to reject this betrayal and rebuild solidarity by leading European and allied nations in acting independently of the United States:
- Implement stronger sanctions on Putin’s regime.
- Transfer all frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
- Increase humanitarian, military and financial support to ensure Ukraine can defend itself and negotiate freely, without coercion.
Now is the time for a programme to re-arm Ukraine to help end the occupation and secure sustainable peace.
Christopher Ford is Secretary of Ukraine Solidarity Campaign.
Voices in Solidarity
John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, said: “Trump has betrayed Ukraine in a desperate attempt to shore up his failing administration in the midterm elections. To save his own political skin, Trump is selling out Ukraine and Ukrainians to Putin as a result. Trump has brought disgrace on the USA and will forever be remembered as Putin’s poodle.”
Bev Laidlaw, President of Public and Commercial Services Union: “Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel risks boosting the Kremlin’s revenues while its war against Ukraine continues. PCS stands in solidarity with Ukrainian trade unionists and workers, defending their rights, freedoms and sovereignty. Any just peace must put the Ukrainian people first, not reward Russian aggression at the expense of working people.”
Chris Kitchen, General Secretary of National Union of Mineworkers: “Trump’s diesel deal with Putin to put his political life ahead of the lives of tens of thousands of Ukrainian people disrespects the office he holds and America.”
Mick Antoniw, Former Counsel General for Wales and MS: “The Trump -Putin deal is a betrayal of Ukraine and its people – an accord of dictators and gangsters to always put profit above the law. It’s yet another example of the corruption that the Trump administration has bestowed upon America. Trump is right that there needs to be a change of President. However, it is his Presidency that must end if peace is to be achieved.”
Tanya Vyhovsky, State Senator, Vermont USA: “The Trump Putin deal represents a grotesque disregard for human life. Every dollar the US saves on fuel because of this deal is blood money paid for with Ukrainian lives.”
EMERGENCY PROTEST
STOP THE US–RUSSIA DIESEL DEAL! DO NOT BETRAY UKRAINE!
Friday 16th October 2026 – 18:00, USA Embassy, London SW11 7US
Called by: Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Campaign for Ukraine, Vsesvit Ukraine Solidarity Collective , Stop Trump Coalition, Indivisible London, Another Europe Is Possible, UAID.