Trump-Putin diesel deal draws Ukraine’s criticism as experts doubt price impact

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin agreed that Russia would supply diesel to the United States and global markets.

The US Treasury temporarily authorized sales of Russian diesel despite existing sanctions, through April 7, 2027.

Trump announced an initial 300,000 tonnes, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and more later, with the total amount depending partly on Russian refinery capacity.

He said the deal would help lower fuel prices, which have risen sharply during the war involving Iran.

Analysts say the first shipment is small compared with US daily use and could take weeks to arrive, so they expect little near-term effect on prices.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized easing sanctions without steps to reduce attacks, saying it could benefit Russia while its war against Ukraine continues.

The deal comes as Ukrainian and US representatives are discussing possible ways to end the war, but the sources give no outcome from those talks.