Trump announces diesel supply deal with Russia amid rising fuel prices

President Donald Trump announced that his administration had reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply diesel to the United States and other markets. The agreement, described as a temporary lift of sanctions, would allow Russia to export up to 300,000 metric tons of diesel initially, with additional shipments planned for later in the year.

U.S. officials indicated that the deal was contingent on the operational status of Russian refineries, which have been affected by Ukrainian drone strikes and prior export bans. Critics argued that the volume of diesel offered would cover only a few days of U.S. consumption and would not significantly impact domestic fuel prices.

The announcement sparked condemnation from both domestic and foreign policymakers, who said the move undermined recent sanctions legislation and could weaken U.S. leverage over Ukraine.

"President Trump decided to make a diesel fuel deal with Russia after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ignored half a dozen U.S. requests to stop attacking Russian oil refineries," a U.S. official told Axios.

European allies also expressed concern, noting that the United States had been reducing military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, while countries such as France increased their support.

The White House later clarified that the agreement was limited in scope and that the United States remained committed to its broader sanctions regime against Russia and Iran.