Trump announces Russian diesel deal

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to release three hundred thousand tonnes of diesel immediately to American and global markets.

More shipments promised

Russia would supply five hundred thousand tonnes in November and one million more after that, followed by three million tonnes within a short period dependent on refinery conditions.

Deal contradicts recent sanctions

Trump signed legislation authorising fresh US sanctions and tariffs on nations importing Russian oil and gas just weeks before announcing the diesel deal with Putin.

Lawmakers say deal breaks law

Seven senators, four Republicans and three Democrats, said the deal violated US laws. Congress had explicitly banned Russian energy imports in two thousand twenty-two to prevent American dollars financing Putin's war.

“The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians.”

Zelensky calls it a gift to Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal a gift to Putin that amounts to an investment in a war that must be ended.

Fuel prices surge since Iran war

Global fuel prices have soared since the US-Israel war with Iran began at the end of February. The average US diesel price is currently six dollars and twenty-eight cents a gallon.

Questions over supply impact

Analysts question whether Russia can deliver promised quantities. The US uses approximately three point six million barrels of diesel daily, so three hundred thousand tonnes amounts to roughly half daily consumption.

International allies criticise deal

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the deal, saying allies should focus on pressuring Russia to end the war rather than supply it revenue.