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- Trump signals major diesel supply deal with Russia.
- Deal aims to lower US and global fuel prices.
- Ukraine President Zelenskyy criticises decision, calls deal "weak."
US President Donald Trump on Saturday signalled a major diesel supply deal with Russia after easing some sanctions on Moscow. Trump stated that the deal will help bring down fuel prices in the US and across the world. The development marks a shift in his approach, as the US has imposed strict sanctions on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump Details About Major Diesel Deal
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Russia had agreed to release large quantities of diesel fuel for the American and global markets following his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He emphasised that Russia will immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes after that.
He added that Moscow could supply an additional three million tonnes within a short period, depending on the condition of its diesel refineries. “I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” Trump wrote.
The announcement comes as Trump moves to ease some restrictions on Russian energy supplies. Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the US and its allies have imposed several rounds of sanctions on Moscow. These measures were aimed at putting economic pressure on Russia over the war. However, rising fuel prices due to the Iran war and growing pressure over the cost of living appear to have added urgency to Trump's latest decision.
US Eases Restrictions On Russian Diesel
Earlier on Friday, the US Treasury had issued a temporary licence to allow Russian diesel to reach global markets through April 2027. The Kremlin also confirmed Russia's willingness to supply energy products, saying Moscow had "reaffirmed its readiness to supply oil and oil products to the American and world markets.
Zelensky Criticises Trump's Decision
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised Trump's move, saying it was unfair to Ukraine and sent the wrong message to its partners. Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy said, “It is certainly not honest, it is certainly unworthy of our partners, and it is, in my view, a weak decision.”
Will It Impact Fuel Prices?
Trump's decision to allow Russian diesel supplies into global markets can help ease pressure on fuel prices by increasing the amount of diesel available to buyers. However, the actual impact will depend on how much fuel Russia delivers and how quickly it reaches buyers amid high demand. The announcement is also expected to offer some relief to energy markets, which have faced uncertainty due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Countries that rely heavily on imported diesel could benefit from increased supplies and potentially lower prices.
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