The Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás launched a scathing critique against the Trump administration on Friday following the announcement of an energy deal between Washington and Moscow. This agreement permits the large-scale import of Russian diesel into the United States, a move Ugás denounced as a blatant siding with the Kremlin amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"Unbelievable. More money for Russia to continue killing Ukrainians. Now we are blatantly on Russia's side. And they said Biden was weak. This president doesn't care about the actions of Putin, the murderer and genocidal, to ally with him," Ugás expressed on Friday on his X account.
Ugás highlighted the contradiction between Congress—which is pushing for sanctions against Moscow—and President Donald Trump, who, in pursuit of cheaper fuel, ended up financing Russia’s war machine.
The deal, announced by Trump, includes the supply of over 4.8 million tons of Russian diesel: over 300,000 tons immediately, 500,000 in November, a million shortly thereafter, and up to three million more depending on the condition of Russian refineries impacted by Ukrainian strikes.
The Treasury Department issued OFAC's General License 135 to temporarily authorize these operations until April 7, 2027, at a time when diesel prices in the U.S. hovered around $6.28 per gallon.
This measure directly conflicts with the bipartisan sanctions law the Senate passed on August 7, with a vote of 86 to 11, explicitly aimed at curbing Russian energy revenues that fund the war.
In his post, Ugás implicitly referenced former Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a proponent of the legislation: "What must the senator who spent the last years of his life drafting a law to condemn Russia and Putin be thinking?" he questioned, alluding to the late senator.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also opposed the deal, deeming it "unjust" and warning that the revenue Russia gains could finance and extend the conflict.
Ugás's reaction to the Trump-Putin pact is part of a broader pattern of public criticism from the former WBA welterweight world champion towards this administration.
In July, the boxer criticized ICE raids on immigrant workers without criminal records, after witnessing arrests at a car wash, asking, "What happened to what President Trump said?" referring to the promise to target only criminals.
Weeks later, he condemned the pursuit of immigrants as "worse than animals" by armed and masked agents, describing detention centers as "notorious and inhumane."
Behind this activism lies a personal story: his mother, Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, was deported to Cuba in April 2025 during a routine ICE appointment in Tampa, without any criminal record, marking a turning point in Ugás's public stance against Trump's immigration policies.
In April 2025, Ugás also criticized the tariff war against China, warning that if the strategy failed, "he will be solely responsible" and it could trigger a global economic crisis.
U.S.-Russia Oil Deal Controversy: Key Questions Answered
What is the U.S.-Russia oil deal that Ugás criticized?
The deal involves the importation of over 4.8 million tons of Russian diesel into the United States, which Ugás criticized as supporting Russia amidst its war against Ukraine.
How does this deal contradict U.S. policy?
The agreement contradicts a bipartisan sanctions law passed by the Senate aimed at reducing Russian energy revenues that could fund warfare.
Why is Ugás critical of the Trump administration?
Ugás criticizes Trump's policies, including the oil deal with Russia, as well as immigration raids and other measures, due to personal experiences and their broader implications.