U.S. ENVOY KUSHNER SAYS THE DIESEL DEAL IS AN EFFORT TO SOFTEN RUSSIA, WITH TRUMP’S ENVOYS TELLING UKRAINIAN OFFICIALS ON FRIDAY THAT A DEAL TO ALLOW RUSSIAN DIESEL EXPORTS IS PART OF A BID TO ENTICE RUSSIA BACK INTO NEGOTIATIONS AFTER PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS TO LAUNCH SUSTAINED TALKS TO END THE WAR WERE UNSUCCESSFUL, ACCORDING TO THREE PEOPLE FAMILIAR WITH THE MEETING.