Ukrainian prosecutor Mykola Golomsha in the Obozrevatel, 09.10.2026:
"[The killed civilians in] Kramatorsk and Pryluky are not a backdrop for oil deals. The Ukrainians who lost their lives are not the price for agreements between Trump and Putin
Kramatorsk. Pryluky. Civilians killed. Yet behind the scenes, Trump’s envoys are negotiating with Putin’s representatives regarding Lukoil’s oil assets and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Ukrainians are dying, while future revenues involving Russia are already being discussed. This is a level of cynicism that cannot be glossed over.
While Russian missiles are killing Ukrainians, the Donald Trump administration is seeking opportunities for economic deals with Moscow. However, existing US and EU sanctions create serious legal obstacles to such plans.
Why, instead of increasing economic pressure on the aggressor, are prospects for its return to the energy business being discussed?
TRUMP’S POLICY: PRESSURE ON UKRAINE, NOT THE AGGRESSOR
The Ukrainian authorities are trying not to damage relations with Trump. We understand the importance of American aid, even though it is currently suspended. However, the authorities' diplomatic caution deprives civil society of the right to speak the bitter truth.
Trump demonstrates a readiness to reach agreements with Putin without making the requirements of international law central to the negotiation process. His negotiators have not made public condemnation of the aggression the foundation of their initiatives, while the negotiation process itself is repeatedly described as being at an impasse.
Where is the demand for Putin to halt missile strikes on Ukrainian cities? Where is the enforcement of compliance with UN General Assembly resolutions? Where is the guarantee that the aggressor will not be rewarded for the occupation?
Instead, the world hears talk of negotiations, compromises, and potential business ventures.
Trump has effectively placed Ukraine and Russia on an unequal footing: telling Ukraine that if it wants its territories back, it must reclaim them, while telling Putin that if he wants Ukrainian lands, he should conquer them. Such logic turns international law into the law of the strong and makes the defense of one’s own territory the sole problem of the victim of aggression.
This is not neutrality. It is a dangerous endorsement of the aggressor’s logic.
INTERNATIONAL LAW IS NOT UP FOR BARGAINING
On March 2, 2022, the UN General Assembly, through Resolution ES-11/1 adopted by 141 votes, condemned Russia's aggression and demanded the withdrawal of its troops from Ukraine.
This requirement has not vanished due to Trump’s negotiations with Putin. It has not lost its validity because of war fatigue. And it cannot be replaced by an agreement that rewards the aggressor.
If negotiations are not grounded in international law, and sanctions become a subject of commercial bargaining, the entire international security system is threatened.
OUR DEMANDS
1. To the U.S. Congress: ensure strict oversight of the administration's policy regarding Russia, prevent the circumvention of sanctions, and advance sanctions measures—specifically, the initiatives of Lindsey Graham.
2. To the Trump administration: halt the policy of making economic concessions to Moscow without a genuine end to the aggression. There must be no return to business as usual for the Russian energy sector at the expense of Ukraine’s security.
3. To the US and European partners: step up military aid to Ukraine—particularly in air defense, ammunition, and the assets needed to protect people and critical infrastructure. Sanctions must curtail Russia’s ability to wage war, while aid to Ukraine must strengthen its capacity to defend itself.
4. To the UN General Assembly: demand the implementation of adopted resolutions, step up international pressure on Russia, and utilize UN Charter mechanisms—specifically the "Uniting for Peace" procedure—whenever the Security Council is blocked by a Russian veto.
5. To the Ukrainian authorities: do not prioritize the desire to retain Washington’s favor over national interests. Going forward, publicly and consistently declare that Ukraine’s territories, sovereignty, and right to self-defense are not for sale and cannot be traded for political promises.
6. To the civil society of Ukraine: unite your efforts and demand concrete solutions—not just more declarations—from American lawmakers, European governments, and the UN.
ENOUGH!
Enough silence while prospects for future profits are built upon Ukrainian blood and ruins.
Enough fear of calling a dangerous policy dangerous simply because it is being pursued by the US President.
We are grateful to the American people for their support, as well as to all the congressmen, senators, public figures, artists, and actors who stand with Ukraine. We oppose policies that pressure Ukraine—without compelling Putin to halt his aggression—while simultaneously opening up business opportunities with the aggressor state.
Kramatorsk and Pryluky are not a backdrop for oil deals. The lives of Ukrainians lost are not the price to be paid for agreements between Trump and Putin.
The Ukrainian public demands: tough sanctions against Russia, genuine pressure on the aggressor, military aid for Ukraine, and negotiations based on international law.
No peace at Ukraine’s expense. No business over accountability. No concessions to the aggressor.
Stop playing games on the graves of the dead!"
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