US President Donald Trump has announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the supply of diesel to the United States and global markets, drawing criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several American lawmakers.
According to Trump, Russia will initially supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by additional shipments in the coming months. The US Treasury Department subsequently lifted sanctions on Russian diesel supplies to the US and global markets until April 7, 2027, according to the report.
The announcement comes weeks after the US Congress passed legislation authorising steep tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had held a successful discussion with Putin, during which the two leaders agreed on immediate Russian diesel supplies.
Trump outlined the proposed shipments as follows:
Initial shipment: More than 300,000 tonnes of diesel.
November shipment: An additional 500,000 tonnes.
Subsequent supply: One million tonnes, followed by a further three million tonnes within a short period, depending on the condition of Russia’s diesel refineries.
Trump said the proposed supplies, alongside US control of the Strait of Hormuz, would help bring fuel prices down sharply.
The announcement comes as the United States grapples with rising fuel prices amid the war involving Iran. Energy costs have also emerged as a political issue ahead of the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.
The average price of diesel in the US stood at $6.28 per gallon on Friday, compared with $3.68 a year earlier.
Trump had considered restricting US diesel exports last month but abandoned the proposal after oil and gas industry representatives warned that it could cause global shortages and push prices higher.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the proposed arrangement, arguing that revenue from Russian petroleum sales could support Moscow’s military operations.
“Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilised world,” Zelenskyy said in a social media post.
He added that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would help finance its war effort and risk prolonging the conflict.
The announcement also drew criticism from members of both the Democratic and Republican parties.
US Representative Don Bacon argued that supporting Russia’s economy while it continues its war against Ukraine was morally wrong. He called for a clearer US policy towards Moscow and Kyiv.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, who co-authored the Russia sanctions legislation with the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, described Trump’s agreement with Putin as an embarrassment.
The legislation, known as the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, was passed by both chambers of Congress on September 16. Trump signed it into law two days later.
Blumenthal had previously warned countries including India and China against continuing to purchase Russian oil after the legislation was passed.
Democratic Representative Dave Min of California also criticised the reported arrangement, arguing that continued oil deals with Russia could undermine the purpose of sanctions.
Republican Representative Michael McCaul expressed concern that lifting restrictions on Russian oil would provide funding to the Kremlin and encourage further violence.
He acknowledged the need to bring down diesel prices but questioned whether easing sanctions would help achieve that objective.
India was criticised by US lawmakers and Ukrainian officials and called it as Modi's war, for purchasing Russian oil. President Zelenskyy accused India for paying blood money to Russian, and prolonging the conflict in Ukraine. Europe blamed India for circumventing sanctions and even sanctioned an India-Russia joint venture.
The proposed agreement highlights the tension between two US priorities: lowering domestic energy costs and maintaining economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine.
With diesel prices rising and the midterm elections approaching, the administration faces pressure to address fuel affordability. However, critics argue that easing restrictions on Russian petroleum could weaken sanctions and provide Moscow with additional revenue.
The extent to which the proposed shipments affect US fuel prices will depend on their implementation, the wider global oil market and developments in the conflict involving Iran.