Russia says its diesel exports may exceed volumes announced by Trump

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has stated that Russia anticipates diesel exports exceeding the amounts claimed by US President Donald Trump. During a conversation on Monday, Novak, who is also President Vladimir Putin's point man on oil, said under a deal struck with the US leader, Russia's diesel supplies would help balance global supply and demand. Critics of the agreement, including Ukraine and some US lawmakers, argue it's enabling Moscow to continue funding its war effort.

Trump announced on Friday that Russia agreed to deliver diesel to global markets and temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel. Novak said Russia's capacity to boost diesel fuel exports could see them return to levels seen prior to the crisis, potentially reaching 3.0-3.5 million metric tonnes per month by year-end. The sanctions were lifted as part of an effort to entice Russia back to negotiations for an end to the war.

According to Novak, Russian diesel exports have plummeted due to Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries since Russia's 2022 invasion. Prior to Ukraine launching drone strikes on Russian oil refineries in 2024-2025, Russia was exporting over 3 million metric tonnes of diesel per month. Despite a self-imposed ban on sales to non-Russian markets, Moscow has continued supplying diesel to countries like those in Central Asia under government agreements.

The deal has drawn criticism from US lawmakers, who argue it provides Russia with funds to sustain its war without forcing concessions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has lambasted the agreement, stating that Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure indicate Moscow has no interest in an energy truce. Novak also disputed Trump's claim that the value of Russian energy resources sold to Europe was US$250 billion, stating the actual figure is US$320.7 billion from 2022 to present.