Trump hails Russia deal to release diesel as midterms loom, Zelensky criticises ‘unworthy’ move

President Donald Trump announced on October 10 that Russia had agreed to release a large quantity of diesel fuel into the global market, as part of a strategy to reduce energy costs ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections. This move comes amidst sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine denounced the deal as "unworthy" and "weak."

The deal was discussed in the context of rising energy costs in the United States, with gasoline prices having increased by over 46% since late February and diesel prices jumping by 67% over the same period. Trump credited the deal for providing "lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers." Meanwhile, Ukrainian and US negotiators held talks in Miami to discuss potential ways to de-escalate the conflict with Russia, with the aim of reaching a resolution before the onset of winter.