US hopes diesel deal can 'soften' Moscow on peace talks, sources say - Reuters

U.S. officials have indicated that a newly announced agreement allowing Russia to export diesel could be used to encourage Moscow to re‑engage in peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine. The approach is being presented as a way to “soften” Russia’s stance by signaling a willingness to cooperate on limited economic matters.

During a meeting in Miami on Oct. 9, senior members of the Trump administration – Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner – told Ukrainian representatives that President Vladimir Putin was not prepared to negotiate an end to the conflict. They said the diesel export arrangement was intended to help restart trilateral talks that had stalled after earlier attempts to secure sustained negotiations failed.

Under the terms of the deal, Russia will supply more than 2.25 million barrels of diesel to the United States and other global markets. The shipment is expected to increase the flow of refined fuel products from Russia, which had previously been restricted by sanctions and market constraints.

The arrangement has drawn criticism from several U.S. lawmakers who argue that the influx of cash from diesel sales could enable Moscow to continue its war effort without extracting concessions from Putin. President Donald Trump defended the agreement on Oct. 12, describing it as “the right choice for the American people” and asserting that it would help lower domestic energy prices.

Energy costs have become a prominent issue for the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, and the diesel deal is being positioned as a measure to address price pressures while also serving a diplomatic purpose in the broader effort to bring Russia back to the negotiating table.