Trump announces diesel deal with Russia in bid to lower prices - The Washington Post

President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that the United States has reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the supply of Russian diesel fuel to the American and global markets. According to the president’s statement, Russia will immediately deliver more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by an additional 500,000 tonnes in November, 1 million tonnes shortly thereafter, and ultimately up to 3 million tonnes “within a short period of time.” Trump said the arrangement is intended to bring diesel prices down rapidly for Americans, especially farmers, ranchers and truckers.

The Kremlin confirmed that President Putin told Trump in a phone call that Russia is ready to supply oil and oil products to the United States and worldwide markets. A Kremlin spokesperson said the hour‑and‑a‑half conversation covered “large‑scale economic initiatives,” and reiterated Russia’s willingness to provide the fuel. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev posted on X that “Russia‑US cooperation on diesel and energy will benefit the world,” echoing the official Russian position.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded sharply to the announcement, describing the deal as “absolutely terrible,” “not fair and not honest,” and warning that it undermines the Western effort to pressure Moscow to end its war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s criticism suggests a potential diplomatic rift between Kyiv, Washington and NATO allies, who have maintained sanctions and restrictions on Russian energy exports since the conflict began.

The announcement comes amid rising fuel prices in the United States, which Trump linked to his administration’s decision to go to war with Iran. He argued that the diesel imports will lower prices “in record numbers and fast,” and highlighted the benefit for American consumers and the broader global market. The president’s claim that the deal will quickly reduce diesel costs has not yet been independently verified.

Media reports note that the deal marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, as it reverses years of coordinated Western pressure on Russia to curtail its war effort by limiting energy sales. While the United States has not detailed the commercial terms of the arrangement, the stated volumes would make Russia a major supplier of diesel to the global market in the coming months. The reaction from European allies and NATO officials has not been detailed in the available statements.