US President Donald Trump has struck a pact with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to channel millions of barrels of Russian diesel into international markets. The move aims to drive down soaring energy costs for American consumers ahead of upcoming congressional elections.
Under the arrangement, Moscow will immediately release 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and an additional million tonnes subsequently. Following the announcement, the US Treasury department issued a temporary waiver relaxing sanctions specifically on Russian diesel exports through early April of next year, though broader financial asset freezes remain intact.
The White House has faced mounting political pressure over soaring domestic fuel prices, which surged in the wake of the military conflict with Iran that began earlier this year. AAA data indicates that the national average for a gallon of diesel sits at $6.28, slightly below the record peak of $6.53 reached late last month. High pump prices have driven broader inflation and hurt public approval ratings for the administration.
Russian officials confirmed the arrangement following a high-level dialogue between the two leaders regarding international energy supplies. Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian envoy, praised the accord on social media, asserting that energy cooperation between Washington and Moscow would serve global interests.
The agreement drew an immediate and sharp rebuke from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a statement posted online, the Ukrainian leader argued that easing economic restrictions on Moscow essentially finances the ongoing conflict and rewards aggression.
Zelensky further defended recent Ukrainian drone operations targeting Russian petroleum facilities, which have severely disrupted domestic refining capacity and led to a nearly thirty percent drop in Russian diesel output. He noted that these military actions were a direct response to Russian attacks on Ukraine's own energy infrastructure and would only cease when those strikes stopped. Trump has previously criticized the refinery attacks, linking them to global supply shortages and rising prices.
The diplomatic pivot marks a notable shift in American policy, arriving just after Congress passed, and the president signed, legislation imposing strict penalties on countries purchasing Russian energy commodities. The pact also exposes the administration to potential backlash from European partners and domestic lawmakers who fear the arrangement will bolster the Kremlin's financial resources.
Questions persist regarding the full mechanics of the agreement, including what concessions or compensation Washington may be providing in exchange for the fuel release. Meanwhile, broader energy markets remain high, with global Brent crude trading above $103 per barrel compared to pre-conflict levels of around $73.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
