Trump strikes diesel deal with Putin as Zelensky denounces 'weak' move

· Energy · United States · Russia

President Donald Trump said Friday that Russia had agreed to immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to US and global markets, with further shipments of about 1.5 million tonnes expected in November and the months ahead, reversing years of US-led sanctions pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine war. Trump framed the deal as a way to ease fuel prices before November's midterm elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the move a 'gift to Putin' and said allowing Russia to sell petroleum products amounts to 'investment in war.' Diesel prices have surged about 70% since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in February 2026.

Why it matters：The deal upends years of allied sanctions policy and links energy prices to US electoral politics, with consequences for Ukraine's war effort and for global diesel supply.

Key points

  • Zelenskyy said 'peace never comes through weakness' and criticised easing sanctions on Moscow.
  • Diesel prices are near record levels and have become a cost-of-living issue for US voters.
  • Iran war fuel disruptions have limited Trump's options to lower prices, according to the items.

Sources (original reporting)

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