Trump Is an Easy Mark for Putin
The president’s diesel deal sells out Ukraine, and does nothing for Americans.
President Trump announced a "massive" deal to purchase diesel fuel from Russia, seemingly aimed at lowering prices for American truckers and farmers. However, the deal is unlikely to reduce diesel prices, as the market sets fuel costs. The deal will benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin, who seeks to undermine U.S. sanctions on Russia.
For Ukraine, the deal represents a betrayal, as it shuts down Russian refineries, reducing their ability to produce fuel. The U.S. is a significant diesel producer, but the surplus is exported, leaving little room for a deal to impact prices. The deal also presents opportunities for corruption, with Trump's associates potentially profiting from the arrangement.
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