The Hindu Editorial • October 16, 2026 • Read Original

The United States must stop moralising to the Global South for trading with Russia

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on October 16, 2026

Double standards: On the Trump diesel deal with Russia

The United States must stop moralising to the Global South for trading with Russia

International Relations US Russia Diesel DealDonald TrumpWestern SanctionsIndia Russia TradeEnergy GeopoliticsUkraine Conflict

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 20

English Original

Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India over India’s oil purchases from Russia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Last year,

During the previous year,

Part 2

U.S. President Donald Trump

The President of the United States, Donald Trump,

Part 3

an additional 25% on India

Levied an extra 25% import tax on Indian goods

Part 4

over India’s oil purchases from Russia.

Because India bought crude petroleum from Russia.

Context and Background

U.S. Tariffs on Indian Imports

In August 2025, the U.S. administration under Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% ad valorem tariff on several Indian exports to pressure New Delhi over its continued imports of discounted Russian crude oil following Western sanctions on Moscow. These punitive duties were subsequently lifted in February 2026 after bilateral trade talks.

Sentence 2 of 20

English Original

Peter Navarro, Mr. Trump’s trade czar, even called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “Modi’s war”, saying India was funding the Russian aggression through energy deals.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Peter Navarro, Mr. Trump’s ,

Peter Navarro, who serves as Donald Trump’s chief trade advisor,

Part 2

even called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “Modi’s war”,

Shockingly described Russia’s military attack on Ukraine as Narendra Modi’s conflict,

Part 3

saying India was funding the Russian

Claiming that India was providing money for Russia’s military assault

Part 4

through energy deals.

By making agreements to purchase Russian oil and gas.

Context and Background

Peter Navarro’s ‘Modi’s War’ Remark

In mid-2025, White House senior trade adviser Peter Navarro publicly labelled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “Modi’s war” during television interviews, alleging that India’s substantial purchases of discounted Russian crude were directly financing Moscow’s military operations. The controversial remarks drew sharp criticism in India, where the government maintained that its purchases were strictly aimed at safeguarding domestic energy security.

Sentence 3 of 20

English Original

Last month, Mr. Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law, giving him the power to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian energy, including India and China.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Last month,

In the previous month,

Part 2

Mr. Trump

President Donald Trump

Part 3

signed the Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Act into law,

Approved a new federal statute called the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act,

Part 4

giving him the power to impose up to 100% tariffs

Granting him legal authority to levy import taxes as high as 100%

Part 5

on countries buying Russian energy, including India and China.

Against nations that purchase oil or gas from Russia, such as India and China.

Context and Background

Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act

Signed into law on September 18, 2026, by President Donald Trump, this bipartisan legislation (H.R. 5334) expanded U.S. sanctions against Moscow and Tehran. Crucially, it empowered the White House to impose punitive tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from third-party nations, specifically targeting major buyers of Russian crude and natural gas such as India and China.

Sentence 4 of 20

English Original

And then, last week, Mr. Trump announced a deal to buy Russian diesel — releasing 300,000 tonnes immediately to the “American and global marketplace”, followed by 5,00,000 tonnes in November.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

And then, last week,

Then, during the previous week,

Part 2

Mr. Trump announced a deal to buy Russian diesel —

President Trump declared an agreement to purchase refined diesel fuel from Russia,

Part 3

releasing 300,000 tonnes immediately to the “American and global marketplace”,

Supplying 300,000 metric tonnes right away into the markets of the US and other countries,

Part 4

followed by 5,00,000 tonnes in November.

With another 500,000 tonnes planned for supply during the month of November.

Context and Background

U.S.-Russia Diesel Agreement

In early October 2026, President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Moscow to purchase Russian refined diesel fuel to cool soaring domestic fuel costs ahead of elections. Under the arrangement, Russia agreed to release an initial 300,000 metric tonnes to world and American markets, followed by another 500,000 tonnes scheduled for November.

Sentence 5 of 20

English Original

Immediately after the announcement, the Treasury Department suspended sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, 2027.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Immediately after the announcement,

Right after the deal was made public,

Part 2

the Treasury Department

The United States Department of the Treasury

Part 3

on Russian diesel exports

Temporarily paused trade restrictions and economic penalties on Russia’s diesel shipments

Part 4

until April 7, 2027.

Up to the date of April 7, 2027.

Context and Background

Treasury Department’s General License No. 135

On October 9, 2026, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued General License No. 135. This measure officially suspended existing sanctions on the purchase, shipment, and importation of Russian-origin diesel into American and global markets until April 7, 2027, temporarily reversing earlier embargoes.

Sentence 6 of 20

English Original

Mr. Trump’s flip-flop is a lesson for countries such as India, which have been criticised and penalised for trading with Russia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump’s

Donald Trump’s sudden U-turn in policy

Part 2

is a lesson for countries such as India,

Serves as an important warning and teaching moment for nations like India,

Part 3

which have been criticised and

That faced strong moral disapproval and trade punishments

Part 4

for trading with Russia.

Merely for carrying out regular commercial trade with Russia.

Sentence 7 of 20

English Original

The latest policy switch also exposes the incoherence in western strategic thinking.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The latest policy switch

This most recent sudden change in American policy

Part 2

also exposes the in western strategic thinking.

Reveals a clear lack of logic and consistency in how Western powers plan their global strategy.

Sentence 8 of 20

English Original

The West imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy sector to weaken Vladimir Putin’s “war machine”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy sector

The United States and European nations placed trade bans and restrictions on Russian oil and gas

Part 2

to weaken Vladimir Putin’s “”.

In order to reduce the financial resources funding Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Context and Background

Western Sanctions on Russian Energy

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S., European Union, and G7 allies placed embargoes and a $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian maritime crude oil. The stated strategic objective was to curtail Kremlin oil and gas revenues used to finance military operations in Ukraine.

Sentence 9 of 20

English Original

Four years later, the U.S. began bombing Iran.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Four years later,

Four years after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine,

Part 2

the U.S. began Iran.

The United States started launching airstrikes and bombing operations against Iran.

Context and Background

2026 U.S.-Iran Military Conflict

In early 2026, military hostilities between the United States and Iran escalated into direct U.S. aerial strikes on Iranian targets. The conflict severely disrupted oil shipping corridors through the Strait of Hormuz, driving global Brent crude prices and diesel costs to near-record highs.

Sentence 10 of 20

English Original

When the Iran war drove up fuel prices, Washington temporarily eased sanctions on Russian fuel before striking a deal with Moscow.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

When the Iran war fuel prices,

When the armed conflict in Iran caused petrol and diesel rates to shoot up globally,

Part 2

temporarily sanctions on Russian fuel

The United States government relaxed trade bans on Russian oil products for a short period

Part 3

before with Moscow.

Prior to concluding an agreement to buy fuel directly from the Russian government.

Sentence 11 of 20

English Original

Beyond the hypocrisy and strategic folly of the U.S. decisions, Mr. Trump’s diesel deal also marks the ineffectiveness of the western sanctions regime.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Beyond the and strategic of the U.S. decisions,

Apart from the double standards and foolish strategic planning shown by the US,

Part 2

Mr. Trump’s diesel deal

Donald Trump’s agreement to buy Russian diesel fuel

Part 3

also marks the ineffectiveness of the western sanctions .

Also highlights how useless and ineffective the Western sanctions system has been in practice.

Sentence 12 of 20

English Original

When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, the West adopted a two-pronged response: weaken the Russian economy through sanctions and weaken the Russian military in Ukraine by arming Kyiv.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022,

When the Russian army invaded Ukraine in the year 2022,

Part 2

the West adopted a response:

The United States and European allies chose a strategy with two distinct parts:

Part 3

weaken the Russian economy through sanctions

Damage Russia’s financial strength using economic bans and trade limits,

Part 4

and weaken the Russian military in Ukraine by arming .

And reduce the power of Russia’s armed forces by sending weapons to the Ukrainian government.

Context and Background

2022 Western Strategy on Ukraine

In February 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western allies led by the United States and NATO deployed a twin-track strategy: crippling Moscow’s financial base through unprecedented banking and trade sanctions, while providing billions of dollars in military hardware and intelligence to Ukrainian armed forces in Kyiv.

Sentence 13 of 20

English Original

The sanctions were a double-edged sword, hurting the Russian economy, but the curtailment of trade between Russia and Europe has also plunged European economies, particularly Germany, into deep crises.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The sanctions were a ,

The economic trade restrictions proved to be a weapon that hurt both sides,

Part 2

hurting the Russian economy,

Damaging Russia’s financial health and trade,

Part 3

but the of trade between Russia and Europe

However, the severe reduction of commercial business between European nations and Russia

Part 4

has also plunged European economies, particularly Germany,

Has simultaneously pushed several European countries, especially its industrial leader Germany,

Part 5

into deep .

Into severe economic troubles, rising energy prices, and recession.

Sentence 14 of 20

English Original

To offset the impact of the sanctions, Moscow looked east where China and India were willing to buy discounted Russian fuel.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

To the impact of the sanctions,

In order to balance out and recover from the losses caused by Western trade bans,

Part 2

looked east

The Russian government turned its focus towards Asian markets

Part 3

where China and India were willing to buy Russian fuel.

Where countries like China and India were ready to purchase Russian crude oil at lower prices.

Context and Background

Russia’s Pivot to Asian Energy Markets

After Western sanctions cut off direct energy sales to Europe in 2022, Russia offered deep discounts on Urals crude to Asian markets. China and India became the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude oil, helping Moscow maintain vital export revenues while stabilizing domestic energy costs in developing nations.

Sentence 15 of 20

English Original

The episode also underscores the changes in the economic landscape.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The episode

This entire series of events regarding Russian fuel trade

Part 2

also the changes in the economic landscape.

Also highlights how global trade patterns and economic power dynamics have shifted.

Sentence 16 of 20

English Original

Mr. Trump’s U-turn leaves Ukraine and Europe in a spot, at a time when Moscow is escalating its bombardment of Ukraine and testing NATO’s resolve through grey-zone tactics.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump’s

Donald Trump’s total reversal of his earlier anti-Russia stance

Part 2

leaves Ukraine and Europe ,

Puts the Ukrainian government and European allies in a very difficult, uncomfortable situation,

Part 3

at a time when Moscow is escalating its of Ukraine

Right when the Russian military is increasing its heavy missile and drone strikes on Ukraine

Part 4

and testing ’s resolve through .

And challenging the determination of the NATO alliance through indirect, covert actions like cyberattacks and sabotage.

Context and Background

Russian Escalation and Grey-Zone Warfare

In late 2026, the war in Ukraine intensified as Russian armed forces escalated air and missile strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Concurrently, European intelligence services warned of Russian “grey-zone” operations, including cyber warfare, underwater pipeline sabotage, and airspace incursions across Eastern Europe designed to test NATO’s defensive resolve without triggering a full military conflict.

Sentence 17 of 20

English Original

If Brussels thinks that prolonging the war would serve its strategic goal of bleeding Russia dry in Ukraine, it may be making a mistake, as Mr. Trump seems less interested in NATO’s collective defence or in the defence of Kyiv.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

If thinks

If the leadership of the European Union believes

Part 2

that the war would serve its strategic goal of in Ukraine,

That extending the fighting will help achieve its long-term aim of completely exhausting Russia’s economic and military resources in Ukraine,

Part 3

it may be making a mistake,

The European Union might be making a grave strategic error,

Part 4

as Mr. Trump seems less interested in NATO’s

Because Donald Trump appears unwilling to actively support NATO’s mutual protection treaty

Part 5

or in the defence of Kyiv.

Or in providing military protection to the government of Ukraine.

Sentence 18 of 20

English Original

Instead, their focus must shift to finding a diplomatic way out.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Instead,

Rather than trying to prolong the conflict,

Part 2

their focus must shift

Their primary attention and policy goals ought to change

Part 3

to finding a .

Towards achieving a peaceful negotiated settlement to end the crisis.

Sentence 19 of 20

English Original

If Mr. Trump can reach a diesel deal with Mr. Putin amid the war, he should work with the warring parties, his allies in Europe and his new partner in Moscow, to secure a ceasefire and ease Russia-NATO tensions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

If Mr. Trump can reach a diesel deal with Mr. Putin

If President Donald Trump is capable of negotiating a fuel purchase agreement with President Vladimir Putin

Part 2

amid the war,

Even while the conflict in Ukraine is actively going on,

Part 3

he should work with the ,

He ought to engage constructively with both sides fighting the war (Russia and Ukraine),

Part 4

his allies in Europe and his new partner in Moscow,

Alongside America’s traditional partner nations in Europe as well as his recent negotiating partner in Russia,

Part 5

to secure a and ease Russia-NATO tensions.

In order to achieve an immediate halt to fighting and lower military hostilities between Russia and NATO countries.

Sentence 20 of 20

English Original

In the meantime, the U.S. and Europe could stop moralising to the Global South for doing trade with Russia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Until those diplomatic efforts begin,

Part 2

the U.S. and Europe

The United States and European governments

Part 3

could stop to the

Should stop giving self-righteous moral lectures and preaching to developing nations

Part 4

for doing trade with Russia.

Simply because they choose to engage in legitimate economic trade and energy purchases with Russia.

Context and Background

The Concept of the Global South

The term “Global South” refers broadly to developing and emerging economies primarily located in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, including India. During the Ukraine war, many Global South countries resisted Western pressure to cut commercial and diplomatic ties with Russia, prioritizing national energy security and non-alignment over bloc politics.

Sentence 1 of 20

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 The United States previously penalized India with tariffs and harsh rhetoric for purchasing discounted Russian crude oil after the Ukraine war began.
2 Despite enacting strict sanctions legislation against buyers of Russian energy, President Donald Trump recently announced a massive deal to purchase Russian diesel.
3 Immediately following the deal, Washington suspended sanctions on Russian diesel exports, exposing serious inconsistencies and hypocrisy in Western policy.
4 The Western sanctions regime has failed to cripple Moscow, while severely hurting European economies and pushing Russia to pivot toward Asian markets.
5 The editorial argues that Western powers must stop moralising to developing nations and instead pursue diplomatic negotiations and a ceasefire to end the conflict.

Tone of the Editorial

Critical

Why this tone?

The editorial strongly criticizes the United States for its hypocritical foreign policy and strategic incoherence. By highlighting how Washington penalized countries like India for buying Russian energy while striking its own diesel deal with Moscow, the editorial uses words like ‘double standards’, ‘flip-flop’, ‘folly’, and ‘moralising’ to express clear disapproval.

Sentence 1 of 20

Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India over India’s oil purchases from Russia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Last year,

During the previous year,

Part 2

U.S. President Donald Trump

The President of the United States, Donald Trump,

Part 3

imposed an additional 25% tariff on India

Levied an extra 25% import tax on Indian goods

Part 4

over India’s oil purchases from Russia.

Because India bought crude petroleum from Russia.

Sentence 2 of 20

Peter Navarro, Mr. Trump’s trade czar, even called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “Modi’s war”, saying India was funding the Russian aggression through energy deals.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Peter Navarro, Mr. Trump’s trade czar,

Peter Navarro, who serves as Donald Trump’s chief trade advisor,

Part 2

even called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “Modi’s war”,

Shockingly described Russia’s military attack on Ukraine as Narendra Modi’s conflict,

Part 3

saying India was funding the Russian aggression

Claiming that India was providing money for Russia’s military assault

Part 4

through energy deals.

By making agreements to purchase Russian oil and gas.

Sentence 3 of 20

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Last month,

In the previous month,

Part 2

Mr. Trump

President Donald Trump

Part 3

signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law,

Approved a new federal statute called the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act,

Part 4

giving him the power to impose up to 100% tariffs

Granting him legal authority to levy import taxes as high as 100%

Part 5

on countries buying Russian energy, including India and China.

Against nations that purchase oil or gas from Russia, such as India and China.

Sentence 4 of 20

And then, last week, Mr. Trump announced a deal to buy Russian diesel — releasing 300,000 tonnes immediately to the “American and global marketplace”, followed by 5,00,000 tonnes in November.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

And then, last week,

Then, during the previous week,

Part 2

Mr. Trump announced a deal to buy Russian diesel —

President Trump declared an agreement to purchase refined diesel fuel from Russia,

Part 3

releasing 300,000 tonnes immediately to the “American and global marketplace”,

Supplying 300,000 metric tonnes right away into the markets of the US and other countries,

Part 4

followed by 5,00,000 tonnes in November.

With another 500,000 tonnes planned for supply during the month of November.

Sentence 5 of 20

Immediately after the announcement, the Treasury Department suspended sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, 2027.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Immediately after the announcement,

Right after the deal was made public,

Part 2

the Treasury Department

The United States Department of the Treasury

Part 3

suspended sanctions on Russian diesel exports

Temporarily paused trade restrictions and economic penalties on Russia’s diesel shipments

Part 4

until April 7, 2027.

Up to the date of April 7, 2027.

Sentence 6 of 20

Mr. Trump’s flip-flop is a lesson for countries such as India, which have been criticised and penalised for trading with Russia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump’s flip-flop

Donald Trump’s sudden U-turn in policy

Part 2

is a lesson for countries such as India,

Serves as an important warning and teaching moment for nations like India,

Part 3

which have been criticised and penalised

That faced strong moral disapproval and trade punishments

Part 4

for trading with Russia.

Merely for carrying out regular commercial trade with Russia.

Sentence 7 of 20

The latest policy switch also exposes the incoherence in western strategic thinking.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The latest policy switch

This most recent sudden change in American policy

Part 2

also exposes the incoherence in western strategic thinking.

Reveals a clear lack of logic and consistency in how Western powers plan their global strategy.

Sentence 8 of 20

The West imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy sector to weaken Vladimir Putin’s “war machine”.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The West imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy sector

The United States and European nations placed trade bans and restrictions on Russian oil and gas

Part 2

to weaken Vladimir Putin’s “war machine”.

In order to reduce the financial resources funding Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Sentence 9 of 20

Four years later, the U.S. began bombing Iran.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Four years later,

Four years after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine,

Part 2

the U.S. began bombing Iran.

The United States started launching airstrikes and bombing operations against Iran.

Sentence 10 of 20

When the Iran war drove up fuel prices, Washington temporarily eased sanctions on Russian fuel before striking a deal with Moscow.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

When the Iran war drove up fuel prices,

When the armed conflict in Iran caused petrol and diesel rates to shoot up globally,

Part 2

Washington temporarily eased sanctions on Russian fuel

The United States government relaxed trade bans on Russian oil products for a short period

Part 3

before striking a deal with Moscow.

Prior to concluding an agreement to buy fuel directly from the Russian government.

Sentence 11 of 20

Beyond the hypocrisy and strategic folly of the U.S. decisions, Mr. Trump’s diesel deal also marks the ineffectiveness of the western sanctions regime.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Beyond the hypocrisy and strategic folly of the U.S. decisions,

Apart from the double standards and foolish strategic planning shown by the US,

Part 2

Mr. Trump’s diesel deal

Donald Trump’s agreement to buy Russian diesel fuel

Part 3

also marks the ineffectiveness of the western sanctions regime.

Also highlights how useless and ineffective the Western sanctions system has been in practice.

Sentence 12 of 20

When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, the West adopted a two-pronged response: weaken the Russian economy through sanctions and weaken the Russian military in Ukraine by arming Kyiv.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022,

When the Russian army invaded Ukraine in the year 2022,

Part 2

the West adopted a two-pronged response:

The United States and European allies chose a strategy with two distinct parts:

Part 3

weaken the Russian economy through sanctions

Damage Russia’s financial strength using economic bans and trade limits,

Part 4

and weaken the Russian military in Ukraine by arming Kyiv.

And reduce the power of Russia’s armed forces by sending weapons to the Ukrainian government.

Sentence 13 of 20

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The sanctions were a double-edged sword,

The economic trade restrictions proved to be a weapon that hurt both sides,

Part 2

hurting the Russian economy,

Damaging Russia’s financial health and trade,

Part 3

but the curtailment of trade between Russia and Europe

However, the severe reduction of commercial business between European nations and Russia

Part 4

has also plunged European economies, particularly Germany,

Has simultaneously pushed several European countries, especially its industrial leader Germany,

Part 5

into deep crises.

Into severe economic troubles, rising energy prices, and recession.

Sentence 14 of 20

To offset the impact of the sanctions, Moscow looked east where China and India were willing to buy discounted Russian fuel.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

To offset the impact of the sanctions,

In order to balance out and recover from the losses caused by Western trade bans,

Part 2

Moscow looked east

The Russian government turned its focus towards Asian markets

Part 3

where China and India were willing to buy discounted Russian fuel.

Where countries like China and India were ready to purchase Russian crude oil at lower prices.

Sentence 15 of 20

The episode also underscores the changes in the economic landscape.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The episode

This entire series of events regarding Russian fuel trade

Part 2

also underscores the changes in the economic landscape.

Also highlights how global trade patterns and economic power dynamics have shifted.

Sentence 16 of 20

Mr. Trump’s U-turn leaves Ukraine and Europe in a spot, at a time when Moscow is escalating its bombardment of Ukraine and testing NATO’s resolve through grey-zone tactics.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Mr. Trump’s U-turn

Donald Trump’s total reversal of his earlier anti-Russia stance

Part 2

leaves Ukraine and Europe in a spot,

Puts the Ukrainian government and European allies in a very difficult, uncomfortable situation,

Part 3

at a time when Moscow is escalating its bombardment of Ukraine

Right when the Russian military is increasing its heavy missile and drone strikes on Ukraine

Part 4

and testing NATO’s resolve through grey-zone tactics.

And challenging the determination of the NATO alliance through indirect, covert actions like cyberattacks and sabotage.

Sentence 17 of 20

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

If Brussels thinks

If the leadership of the European Union believes

Part 2

that prolonging the war would serve its strategic goal of bleeding Russia dry in Ukraine,

That extending the fighting will help achieve its long-term aim of completely exhausting Russia’s economic and military resources in Ukraine,

Part 3

it may be making a mistake,

The European Union might be making a grave strategic error,

Part 4

as Mr. Trump seems less interested in NATO’s collective defence

Because Donald Trump appears unwilling to actively support NATO’s mutual protection treaty

Part 5

or in the defence of Kyiv.

Or in providing military protection to the government of Ukraine.

Sentence 18 of 20

Instead, their focus must shift to finding a diplomatic way out.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Instead,

Rather than trying to prolong the conflict,

Part 2

their focus must shift

Their primary attention and policy goals ought to change

Part 3

to finding a diplomatic way out.

Towards achieving a peaceful negotiated settlement to end the crisis.

Sentence 19 of 20

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

If Mr. Trump can reach a diesel deal with Mr. Putin

If President Donald Trump is capable of negotiating a fuel purchase agreement with President Vladimir Putin

Part 2

amid the war,

Even while the conflict in Ukraine is actively going on,

Part 3

he should work with the warring parties,

He ought to engage constructively with both sides fighting the war (Russia and Ukraine),

Part 4

his allies in Europe and his new partner in Moscow,

Alongside America’s traditional partner nations in Europe as well as his recent negotiating partner in Russia,

Part 5

to secure a ceasefire and ease Russia-NATO tensions.

In order to achieve an immediate halt to fighting and lower military hostilities between Russia and NATO countries.

Sentence 20 of 20

In the meantime, the U.S. and Europe could stop moralising to the Global South for doing trade with Russia.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the meantime,

Until those diplomatic efforts begin,

Part 2

the U.S. and Europe

The United States and European governments

Part 3

could stop moralising to the Global South

Should stop giving self-righteous moral lectures and preaching to developing nations

Part 4

for doing trade with Russia.

Simply because they choose to engage in legitimate economic trade and energy purchases with Russia.

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Trump Diesel Deal with Russia

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the US decision to purchase Russian diesel and western sanctions policy.

7 Questions Passing: 50%

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