Trump Announces Deal to Import Russian Diesel Into US

US President Donald Trump has announced a deal to import Russian diesel into the United States as he faces growing pressure to reduce fuel prices.

Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately “to the American and global marketplace”. Another 500,000 tonnes will be supplied in November, followed by an additional one million tonnes.

The announcement on Friday angered Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who criticised the deal as a gift to Putin. He said it amounts to “an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged”.

As part of the deal, the US Treasury is reportedly suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7. However, other Russian assets, including those held in American banks, will remain frozen.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said another three million tonnes of Russian diesel would be delivered “within a short period”. The supply will depend on the condition of Russian refineries, which have been attacked by Ukraine.

Putin later said Russia was willing to supply oil and petroleum products to the US and global markets. However, he did not specify the quantities. Russia had introduced a ban on diesel exports earlier this year.

Analysts have questioned whether Russia can supply the promised amount of diesel. They have also raised doubts about how much the deal will help reduce fuel prices for American consumers