Dozens of Ukrainian community members from the Capital Region assembled in Colonie, New York, on Wednesday to protest a newly announced agreement by the Trump administration to export millions of tons of Russian diesel to U.S. and global markets. The demonstrators, organized by the Ukraine Congress Committee Capital District, argued the deal sends the wrong message while Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
Local voices condemn the deal
Andrij Baran, president of the Ukraine Congress Committee Capital District branch, told reporters, “This is a signal that Russia is open for business with Trump and with America.” Baran, who helped organize the rally, called President Trump’s justification for the deal “baseless” and urged voters to evaluate congressional candidates on their positions regarding Ukraine, regardless of party affiliation.
Federal criticism and bipartisan backlash
The agreement has drawn bipartisan criticism, including from Democratic Representative Paul Tonko, who said the move undermines sanctions pressure on Russia. “It was legislation that could have applied sanctions to Russia, but instead relieving these sanctions and purchasing the diesel fuel makes it very difficult. It’s putting cash in the coffers that will be used to bomb Ukraine,” Tonko said.
Trump’s defense of the policy
President Donald Trump later defended the decision, blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and recent strikes on Russian oil refineries for higher diesel prices in the United States. “He wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers with diesel fuel because Russia supplies a large portion of the diesel fuel throughout the world,” Trump said.
First tanker already en route
According to the Associated Press, the first tanker carrying Russian diesel set sail for New York about two weeks after the deal was finalized, marking the start of the new supply chain.
Midterm election implications
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Baran emphasized that the issue transcends party lines. “I don’t think this is a party issue; I think this is a moral American issue. I think we need to find out what your congressman’s position is on Ukraine, whichever party it is, and vote for the candidate who supports it,” he said.
The protest reflects broader concerns among the Capital Region’s Ukrainian diaspora about U.S. foreign‑policy decisions that may appear to aid an aggressor nation. Organizers plan to continue monitoring the administration’s actions and to engage local elected officials on the matter.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
