Trump announces deal for Russian diesel as Zelensky criticises 'gift to Putin'
Ukraine's president said allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would prolong a war that must be ended.
Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel into the global market immediately, followed by additional shipments. Trump claims this will bring down diesel prices in the US and worldwide. An envoy representing Putin praised the deal, but Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized it, stating that easing sanctions on Russia would prolong the war.
Diesel prices in the US have doubled since tensions with Iran began, causing concerns ahead of mid-term elections. The US Treasury issued a temporary license for Russian diesel imports shortly after Trump's announcement. Zelensky warned that providing Russia with petroleum products would invest in prolonging the war, not ending it.
The global benchmark for crude oil, Brent, remains above $103 a barrel, having increased from $73 a barrel before the Iran war. Trump's efforts to lower fuel prices include suspending gasoline taxes and allowing red dye diesel on US highways. He has also secured the release of 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from G7 stockpiles.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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