Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal Sparks Zelensky Anger

US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement to import Russian diesel in an effort to ease rising fuel prices, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accuse him of helping Vladimir Putin prolong the war.

US agrees to receive Russian diesel

Trump said Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately for American and international markets, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another one million tonnes later.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also announced plans for a further three million tonnes to be supplied within a short period, depending on the condition of Russian refineries damaged by Ukrainian attacks.

Sanctions temporarily suspended

The US Treasury is understood to have suspended sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April under the arrangement, although other Russian assets, including funds held in American banks, remain frozen.

The Treasury subsequently issued a temporary licence permitting Russian diesel to enter the market. However, the White House has not clarified what Russia will receive in return for the agreement.

Zelensky condemns agreement

Zelensky criticised the deal, describing it as a gift to Putin and an investment in a war that should be brought to an end rather than prolonged.

He urged Washington to maintain strong pressure on Moscow and continue supporting Ukraine’s defence. Zelensky also warned that Russia could respond to the agreement with further attacks.

Questions over impact on fuel prices

Energy analysts have questioned whether Russia can deliver the promised quantities and whether the additional supplies will significantly reduce costs for American motorists.

Tim Armitage, an investment strategist at Quilter Cheviot, said the initial shipment represented approximately 2.25 million barrels, compared with US daily diesel consumption of around 3.8 million barrels.

He argued that the first delivery would have little effect on pump prices and suggested the agreement could be an attempt by Trump to ease inflation ahead of the US midterm elections.

Russia faces refinery damage

Russia has experienced two waves of serious fuel shortages this year following Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil refineries. The International Energy Agency estimates that Russian diesel production has fallen by nearly 30%.

Trump has blamed the attacks for contributing to higher fuel prices, while Zelensky has defended them as a response to Russia’s prolonged assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Energy crisis fuels political pressure

The agreement comes as Trump faces growing domestic pressure over the cost of fuel following the war involving Iran, which began in February and has driven up global energy prices.

According to the American Automobile Association, the average US diesel price stands at $6.28 per gallon, down from a record $6.53 recorded at the end of September.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, remains above $103 a barrel, compared with approximately $73 before the Iran conflict.

Allies question Washington’s approach

The deal could strain relations with European allies and pro-Ukraine lawmakers in the United States, particularly after Congress recently approved legislation authorising additional sanctions and tariffs against countries importing Russian oil and gas.

The UK government said it would continue working with international partners to support Ukraine and maintain strong sanctions against Russia.

Trump has also considered suspending federal gasoline taxes and temporarily allowing red-dyed diesel to be used on US highways without federal tax. He previously backed the release of 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from G7 stockpiles to address supply concerns.

Despite these measures, the eventual effect of the Russian diesel agreement on fuel prices remains uncertain.