Trump announced a deal to import Russian diesel into the US, suspending Treasury sanctions on Russian diesel exports through April 7. The agreement involves 300,000 tonnes delivered immediately, 500,000 tonnes in November, and up to 4 million tonnes total within a short period, dependent on Russian refinery capacity. Putin confirmed Russia's willingness to supply both US and global markets with oil and petroleum products, though his statement included no specific quantities.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the arrangement as "a gift to Putin" that amounts to "an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged." He pointed to Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv as Russia expressing "its thanks" for the agreement. European allies backed Ukraine's position. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said suspending sanctions "provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war," adding that the EU would approve new sanctions on Russia on Monday. The UK government said it would maintain "the toughest sanctions regime ever imposed by the UK."
Trump stated the goal was easing US fuel prices ahead of midterm elections. The average US diesel price stands at $6.28 per gallon, according to AAA, down from a September peak of $6.53. However, analyst Tim Armitage at Quilter Cheviot said the first tranche of 300,000 tonnes equates to approximately 2.25 million barrels, while daily US consumption reaches 3.8 million barrels. "So it won't make a material difference to pump prices in the US," he said, calling Trump's move "a slightly desperate" effort to lower inflation before the midterms.
Analysts questioned whether Russia can deliver the promised volumes. Ukraine's drone strikes on Russian refineries have cut Russian diesel production by nearly 30% this year, according to International Energy Agency estimates. The BBC asked the White House what Russia will receive in return, but received no response. The deal contradicts recent congressional legislation, signed by Trump, that authorized new sanctions on nations importing Russian oil and gas.