Trump announces deal for Russian diesel as Zelensky criticises 'gift to Putin'
Donald Trump says he reached an agreement with Vladimir Putin for Russia to provide diesel to the United States and other markets. Trump described staged deliveries, while Putin confirmed Russia was ready to supply oil products but gave no volumes.
The US Treasury is understood to be pausing sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April 2027. Other Russian assets, including funds held in US banks, will remain frozen.
Trump presented the move as an effort to ease US fuel costs amid pressure from higher global energy prices. The American average for diesel is $6.28 per gallon, below a recent record of $6.53.
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the arrangement, arguing it would benefit Putin and would not bring peace. He said Russia would respond with more attacks.
Russia has faced two periods of serious fuel shortages this year after Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries, and imposed a diesel export ban. Trump has blamed the strikes for pushing fuel prices higher; the article does not say when deliveries will begin beyond the initial release he announced.
Key points
- Trump says Russia will release diesel in stages for US and global markets.
- A temporary pause in sanctions is planned, but other Russian assets remain frozen.
- Zelensky says the deal could reward Putin and will not advance peace.