Trump announces major diesel deal with Russia ahead of midterm elections next month
US President Donald Trump has opened the American market to Russian diesel, reversing years of sanctions pressure on Moscow just three weeks after signing a law to punish buyers of its energy, as record fuel prices threaten his party in next month’s midterm elections. Trump said on Truth Social on Friday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had reached the supply deal in a phone call that…
US President Donald Trump has announced a major diesel deal with Russia, lifting years of sanctions pressure on the nation just weeks after signing a law to penalize energy buyers. The deal, revealed on Truth Social, will see Russia supply over 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States and global markets immediately, followed by additional 500,000 tonnes in November, and an extra million tonnes after that.
Trump claims the move will lower fuel prices for Americans, particularly farmers, ranchers, and truck drivers, his "greatest priority" ahead of the midterm elections next month. The deal, which Trump revealed after an unexpected phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, also came as diesel prices for Americans and globally are set to "come down, in record numbers, and fast!"
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license authorizing all transactions related to the sale, delivery, offloading or import of Russian-origin diesel, with no cap on volumes set. However, the license excludes debits from accounts held at US financial institutions by Russia's central bank, National Wealth Fund, or finance ministry.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the move, calling it a sign of weakness, while Senate Democrats expressed dissatisfaction, calling Trump untrustworthy when it comes to Russia.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Trump says Russia to supply diesel to U.S. and global markets japantimes.co.jp
- Trump welcomed Russia's involvement in Iran settlement efforts, Kremlin says middleeasteye.net
