Donald Trump has announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel fuel to the United States and world markets in the coming months. The move represents a significant reversal for Trump, who signed legislation authorising fresh sanctions and tariffs on nations importing Russian oil and gas just three weeks earlier.
The agreement comes as Trump faces political pressure over rising energy costs. Fuel prices have skyrocketed in America, damaging his standing with voters ahead of midterm elections. Agricultural states including Iowa, Kansas, Texas and Ohio, which depend heavily on diesel for farming machinery and transporting products, have been particularly hard hit. Trump said his greatest priority is lowering prices for farmers, ranchers and truckers.
The deal has drawn sharp criticism. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a 'gift' to Putin on the social network X, arguing that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products amounts to 'an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged.' The arrangement is also attracting scrutiny from European allies about whether it helps fund the Russian war effort.
The impact on fuel prices remains unclear. The United States consumes approximately 3.6 million barrels of diesel daily. Russia's promised delivery of around 300,000 tons this month would cover only about half of daily consumption. Previous efforts to reduce prices, including European fuel reserve releases, have not significantly moved energy markets.