World · Europe · 1 hr ago
US says Russian diesel deal aims to bring Moscow back to peace talks
US President Donald Trump’s administration has allowed Russian diesel to be sold to US and global markets.
In a meeting in Miami, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner told Ukrainian officials the deal could encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to return to peace talks.
They said Putin was not currently ready to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
The envoys also asked Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil refineries, saying the US could then urge Moscow to take steps in return.
Ukrainian officials were skeptical that business deals would change Russia’s position.
The agreement has drawn criticism from lawmakers, while analysts have questioned whether the diesel supply is large enough to reduce fuel prices significantly.
Trump has announced an energy ceasefire, but the two sides have not confirmed it, and Russia struck Ukrainian energy targets on Monday.
US envoys told Ukrainian officials that a deal allowing Russian diesel exports is intended to encourage Moscow to return to peace talks.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner said Russian President Vladimir Putin was not currently prepared to negotiate an end to the war, according to people familiar with the meeting.
The deal allows Russia to supply more than 2.25 million barrels of diesel to US and global markets.
Ukrainian officials were skeptical of using business deals to encourage Russia, while some US lawmakers said the agreement could give Moscow money without requiring concessions.
Russia struck Ukrainian energy targets on Monday, despite Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire, according to the articles.
- Who
- US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner told Ukrainian officials about the deal. The plan concerns Russia and President Vladimir Putin.
- What
- The US says the Russian diesel deal is intended to encourage Moscow to return to peace talks.
- When
- The meeting took place on Friday. The articles were published on October 12 and 13, 2026.
- Where
- The envoys met Ukrainian officials in Miami.
- Why
- US officials say the deal could soften Moscow’s position and help restart negotiations.
US administration
Ukrainian officials
Purpose of the diesel deal
US administration
The deal could signal that the US is open to working with Russia and encourage Moscow to negotiate.
Ukrainian officials
Ukrainian officials were skeptical of using business deals to appease Russia.
Effect on Russia
US administration
The deal could help bring Russia back to negotiations.
Ukrainian officials
Ukrainian officials viewed it as a reversal of Western policy aimed at isolating Russia.
Witkoff and Kushner told Ukrainian officials in Miami that the diesel deal was intended to help bring Russia back to negotiations.
Trump announced an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, according to the Straits Times.
Russia struck Ukrainian energy targets, according to the Straits Times; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow had attacked six energy facilities, according to n-tv.
- Diesel deal
- More than 2.25 million barrels for US and global markets
- US envoys
- Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
- Meeting place
- Miami
- Russian president
- Vladimir Putin
- Ukrainian energy facilities
- Zelensky said Russia attacked six on Monday
- War duration
- 4 1/2 years, according to the Straits Times
What people are saying
The idea was that the US could go back to Russia and say ‘See, the Ukrainians stopped striking and we gave you this deal. Now it’s your turn to do something,’
the right choice for the American people
is a way to bring Russia back
Sources
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