Trump announces Russian diesel supplies under temporary U.S. waiver

Donald Trump said he had agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin to make more than 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel available immediately for the United States and world markets.

Trump also announced further releases, including 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes afterward, but did not specify all the timing.

Russia may provide three million tonnes in a short period, depending on the condition of its refineries.

Because sanctions restrict trade with Russia, the U.S. Treasury issued a temporary authorization for the sale, delivery, unloading and import of Russian diesel through April 7, 2027.

The announcement comes after Trump signed a law last month giving him broad powers to impose new sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine.

It also comes as rising fuel prices put Trump and Republicans under pressure ahead of U.S. midterm elections in less than a month.

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian oil-industry sites, and Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian refineries.

The announced shipments could add to diesel supplies, but the stated volumes and timing depend in part on Russia’s refinery capacity.