Washington, D.C.: US President Donald Trump has announced a deal with Russia to release diesel into American and global markets, easing sanctions on Moscow in a bid to curb rising energy prices amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Trump said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel to the US and global markets, following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He added that Moscow would provide 500,000 tonnes in November, followed by one million tonnes, with further supplies expected.
The announcement drew criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described the move as “unworthy” and “weak”, amid continuing tensions over Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The US Treasury Department issued a temporary licence on Friday allowing Russian diesel to enter global markets through April 2027.
“Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority,” Trump said in a social media post.
The decision comes as fuel prices in the United States have risen sharply since late February, when US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran triggered Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.
The average price of regular gasoline in the US has increased by more than 46% since late February to USD 4.37 per gallon, while diesel prices have climbed 67% to USD 6.28 per gallon.
Trump has also blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries for rising fuel costs, although the conflict involving Iran has been a major source of disruption to global energy supplies.
The move marks a shift in Washington’s approach towards Russian energy exports, which have faced extensive sanctions imposed by the US and its partners following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Meanwhile, US and Ukrainian negotiators held discussions in Miami on Friday in an effort to revive negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
US envoy Steve Witkoff said the talks focused on possible ways to de-escalate hostilities and bring the war to an end before winter. Discussions also covered security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe, as well as arrangements for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Officials from Britain, France and Germany, along with representatives of NATO and the European Union, also participated in the discussions.
Efforts to reach a settlement have so far made limited progress, with Moscow continuing to demand control over the entire eastern Donbas region, including territories still held by Kyiv. Zelensky has rejected surrendering Ukrainian-held territory, warning that Russia could use it as a launchpad for future attacks.
Russia currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The diplomatic push has gained urgency amid continued attacks on critical infrastructure and mounting civilian casualties as winter approaches.
