Trump Announces Russian Diesel Supply Deal as US Temporarily Eases Sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump says Russia has agreed to supply diesel to American and global markets as his administration temporarily suspends sanctions on Russian diesel exports in an effort to ease fuel prices.

Trump said Russia would initially release 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another one million tonnes afterward. He also said a further three million tonnes could be supplied, depending on the condition of Russian refineries.

The U.S. Treasury is suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, while other restrictions, including the freezing of Russian assets held in American banks, remain in place.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also said Moscow is willing to supply oil and petroleum products to the United States and global markets, although he did not specify quantities.

The announcement has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said the deal would benefit Russia and help finance its war against Ukraine. In a social media post, Zelensky described the move as an investment in a war that should be ended rather than prolonged.

Diesel prices, which are near record levels, fell following Trump’s announcement. However, analysts have cautioned that the proposed supply may not be sufficient to keep prices down.

The fuel is widely used in agriculture, home heating and road freight transport. Rising diesel prices have also become a concern for Trump’s Republican Party ahead of the November 3 congressional elections.