Richard Nixon was once asked whether the Russians could be trusted. In response, he quoted the distinguished Italian diplomat Manlio Brosio, who had served for many years as Ambassador to Moscow and later as Secretary General of NATO. According to Nixon, Brosio said: “I know the Russians. They are liars. They are great actors. They are cheats. And they lie and play their roles because they believe it is their duty. They cannot be trusted.” But Nixon’s own words were even more telling: “We don't have to convince them that we're for peace. They know that. We have to convince them they cannot win a war. And once we do that, the basis is set for negotiation that will be responsible on both sides.” More than forty years have passed. Yet this approach remains as relevant as ever. Today, as the world seeks a path towards a just and lasting peace, Russia must receive a clear message: continuing its aggression will bring it no benefits. That is why the US decision to allow transactions involving Russian diesel fuel raises serious concerns. Every easing of economic pressure on Russia, without genuine steps towards ending its aggression, gives it additional opportunities to finance the war. I share the position of President of Ukraine @ZelenskyyUa: “Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilised world. Russia will “repay” the diesel with further terror and perfidy. Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged. What is needed is real de-escalation with Russia on a reciprocal basis.” I call on our American partners to reconsider the decision regarding Russian diesel. No barrels of Russian diesel are worth even a single gram of blood. Human blood. Ukrainian blood.