President Trump announced a diesel supply agreement with Russia that would deliver 300,000 tonnes immediately, followed by shipments of 500,000 tonnes in November and one million more after that, with potential for three million tonnes monthly in future. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed these figures to Tass.
The deal drew immediate criticism from lawmakers across both parties. Seven senators, including Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis alongside Democrats Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden, said the agreement violated US law. "The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians," they stated in a joint statement, noting Congress had explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022.
Trump justified the move citing fuel price pressures. "Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority," he wrote on Truth Social. The Treasury will suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April, though other Russian assets in US banks remain frozen.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal "an investment in a war that must be ended." International opposition included criticism from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who urged allies to increase pressure on Russia rather than ease sanctions.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News the agreement operated through existing legal channels. Republican Thomas Massie supported lifting sanctions on all petroleum products.
Global diesel prices spiked following the US-Israel war with Iran beginning in late February, disrupting crude supplies. The US currently consumes approximately 3.6 million barrels of diesel daily. Average US diesel prices stand at 6.28 dollars per gallon, down from September's 6.53 dollar peak.
Analysts questioned whether Russia could deliver promised volumes and whether the imports would meaningfully reduce US prices. The initial 300,000-tonne shipment represents roughly half of US daily diesel consumption.
Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday without details. Zelensky welcomed the announcement, but Moscow did not respond. Rising fuel costs have emerged as a political issue ahead of next month's midterm elections, with polls showing American disapproval of Trump's handling of the economy and Iran war.