Trump Hails Russia Deal to Release Diesel as Midterms Loom

US President Donald Trump has welcomed an agreement with Russia to release large quantities of diesel to American and global markets, as his administration seeks to ease rising energy costs weeks before the November midterm elections.

Trump announced the deal on Friday following a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes shortly afterwards.

He also promised further shipments of about three million tonnes within a short period, although details of the delivery schedule and payment arrangements remained unclear.

The announcement marks a significant shift in US policy towards Moscow, which has faced extensive Western sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The US Treasury Department subsequently issued a temporary licence allowing certain Russian diesel shipments to reach global markets, easing sanctions restrictions on eligible fuel loaded onto tankers by October 9. The authorisation is expected to remain in effect until April 2027.

Trump said the decision was intended to bring down fuel costs, particularly for American farmers, ranchers and truckers. Prices have risen sharply amid disruptions to global energy supplies linked to the war involving Iran and the resulting blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the American Automobile Association, the average US diesel price stood at $6.28 per gallon, while regular petrol averaged $4.37 per gallon.

The agreement comes at a politically sensitive time for Trump and his Republican Party, which faces the November 3 midterm elections. Voters’ concerns over the cost of living and rising fuel prices have placed additional pressure on the administration to demonstrate progress on energy costs.

However, the move has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and some American lawmakers, who argue that easing restrictions could increase Russia’s energy revenues and weaken pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.

Zelensky described the decision as an unworthy move by a partner, warning that additional Russian revenue could help sustain the conflict.

Energy analysts have also cautioned that the agreement may not produce a lasting reduction in global fuel prices, since Russian supplies could simply be redirected from existing buyers to the United States and other markets.

The White House and Kremlin have yet to provide full details of the commercial arrangements or clarify whether further shipments will arrive before election day.