US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Img: Dynamite News)
Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow to supply diesel to the United States and global markets, drawing sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and an additional 1 million tonnes thereafter. The announcement comes as the United States faces soaring fuel prices and mounting pressure to ease costs for consumers.
Trump announced the arrangement following what he described as a successful conversation with Putin. He said the additional supplies would help bring down diesel prices in the US and international markets.
The US Treasury Department issued a temporary general licence allowing imports of Russian diesel until April 7, 2027. The move marks a shift in Washington’s approach to Russian energy supplies, which have faced restrictions linked to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, questions remain over the timing and scale of the proposed shipments and how much relief they could provide to fuel consumers.
Zelensky strongly opposed the arrangement, arguing that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its military campaign.
Calling the decision an “investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged”, the Ukrainian president said sanctions pressure on Russia should be maintained rather than relaxed without meaningful progress towards de-escalation.
His criticism came as Ukrainian representatives were in the US for discussions aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict.
Zelensky also argued that any reduction in hostilities should involve reciprocal steps by both sides, including an end to attacks on energy infrastructure.
Energy analysts have questioned whether the additional Russian supplies will significantly reduce diesel prices. They argue that the proposed volumes may be insufficient to address the wider global fuel shortage.
The initial 300,000-tonne shipment amounts to approximately 2.25 million barrels, while the US exports around 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily.
Experts have cautioned that additional Russian supplies could ease pressure in certain markets but are unlikely to deliver a substantial or sustained fall in prices.
The agreement therefore presents Washington with a difficult balancing act: addressing rising fuel costs while facing criticism that easing restrictions could strengthen Russia financially during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
