Donald Trump announces deal to allow Russian diesel into global markets

United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to release Russian diesel onto American and global markets. Euronews, Al Jazeera, and the Guardian reported that the agreement aims to lower rising energy costs during the war with Iran. The United States Treasury Department issued a temporary licence allowing the fuel into global markets, according to Euronews. [1][2][4]

The delivery terms outlined by the news outlets vary. Euronews and Al Jazeera reported that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November. Al Jazeera also reported that Russia would later supply an additional 1.5 million tonnes. Euronews noted that the White House did not immediately clarify who would pay for the fuel. [1][2]

The United States had not imported Russian oil or gas since 2022, when the Biden administration placed a ban following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Euronews reported. Politico reported that Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel weeks ahead of the upcoming midterm election. [1][3]

The decision caused immediate political backlash from Ukraine. The Guardian and the BBC reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted furiously to the deal, calling it a gift to Putin and warning that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would prolong the war. The Guardian added that the move creates a crisis with Ukraine and Western allies. [4][5]