Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the US-Russia Diesel Deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump to import Russian diesel into the United States, describing it as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin and “an investment in a war that must be terminated, not perpetuated.”
Under the terms outlined by Trump, Putin committed to delivering an immediate 300,000 tons of diesel to “the American and world marketplace,” with follow-up shipments of 500,000 tons scheduled for November and an additional one million tons thereafter.
As part of the deal, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is reportedly temporarily lifting sanctions on Russian diesel exports through April 7, though other Russian assets—including those held within U.S. financial institutions—will remain frozen.
In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump stated that an additional three million tons of Russian diesel would be delivered “within a short period,” contingent on the operational status of Russian refineries recently targeted by Ukrainian strikes.
For his part, Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia—which had placed an export ban on diesel earlier in the year—is prepared to supply crude oil and refined petroleum products to the United States and international markets, though he did not specify exact volumes.
Responding on social media, Zelensky argued that Russia would use proceeds from the US-Russia Diesel Deal to finance further military aggression.
What does Russia stand to benefit from the US-Russia Diesel Deal
The BBC has asked the White House to clarify what concessions or returns the United States has offered Russia in exchange for the supply commitment.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the United Kingdom government reaffirmed that the nation’s position “could not be clearer,” pledging continued international cooperation to support Ukraine and secure sustainable peace.
Shortly after Donald Trump’s announcement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury formally issued a temporary license authorizing the commercial sale of Russian diesel.
In an official statement, Vladimir Putin confirmed that he discussed the global energy landscape with Trump on Friday, noting that “the Russian side confirmed its willingness to deliver oil and petroleum products to the US market and global markets at large.”
On social media, Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed the agreement, stating: “Russia-US co-operation on diesel and energy will help the globe.”
Backstory…
The dispute comes amid rising US diesel prices triggered by the US-Israeli war with Iran and disruptions to global fuel supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Diesel prices have surged, putting pressure on American farmers, truckers and consumers ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump’s decision to secure Russian supplies marks a sharp shift from Washington’s pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
The announcement also came as US envoys met Ukrainian and European officials in Miami to discuss peace proposals, prompting Zelensky to accuse Washington of undermining Ukraine’s efforts.
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