President of United States (US) Donald Trump has said that Russia will supply diesel to the US and global markets after a discussion with President Vladimir Putin, while the US Treasury Department issued a temporary licence allowing imports of Russian diesel until April 7.
Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social, saying that Russia will immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel, equivalent to about 2.25 million barrels. He added that Russia will provide another 500,000 tonnes in November and a further one million tonnes immediately afterwards, with additional supplies depending on the condition of Russian diesel refineries damaged by Ukrainian attacks.
The US administration’s decision temporarily eases restrictions on Russian fuel imposed to cut Moscow’s revenue for its war against Ukraine, which began in 2022. The US imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies in October 2025.
The agreement comes as US diesel prices approach record levels ahead of the November 3 congressional elections, which will determine whether Trump’s Republican Party retains its narrow control of Congress.
Trump described his discussion with Putin as “highly successful” in a Truth Social post. After the call, Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised cooperation between Russia and the US on X.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticised the agreement while a Ukrainian delegation was in the US to discuss ways to resolve the war. He described the decision as a “weak decision on the part of strong partners”.
“Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world. Russia will ‘repay’ the diesel with further terror and perfidy,” Zelenskiy said on X.
Republican Representative Don Bacon also opposed the move, arguing that Washington should enforce additional sanctions passed by Congress rather than ease existing restrictions.
“Now is the time to use those sanctions to squeeze Putin’s war machine, not reward a dictator by putting more money in his hands while he continues targeting and killing Ukrainian civilians,” Bacon said on X.
The agreement may provide Moscow with billions of dollars in revenue that can help finance its war against Ukraine.
Following news of the Russia deal, US diesel futures fell almost five percent to $4.64 per gallon.
“Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority,” Trump said.
