Trump announces agreement with Russia to lift diesel sanctions amid Ukrainian criticism

U.S. President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin that will temporarily suspend Treasury sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 2027. The deal calls for an initial release of 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and a further million tonnes thereafter, with additional shipments of up to three million tonnes contingent on refinery conditions.

The Treasury’s suspension applies only to diesel; other Russian assets held in U.S. banks remain frozen. Trump said the influx of Russian diesel would push fuel prices down quickly, citing recent declines in U.S. diesel costs.

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, denounced the arrangement, stating that easing sanctions on Russia would aid Moscow’s war effort and prolong the conflict. He warned that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would “invest in a war that must be ended.”

Putin confirmed Russia’s willingness to supply oil and petroleum products to the United States and global markets, though specific volumes were not detailed. A Russian envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, praised the cooperation, saying it would benefit the world.

The announcement comes as the United States faces rising domestic fuel prices linked to the war in Ukraine and broader energy market disruptions. It also contrasts with recent U.S. legislation that imposes new sanctions and tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas, raising questions about the policy’s consistency and its reception among European allies and pro-Ukraine lawmakers.