Trump’s diesel deal reveals Russia’s weakness, Browder argues

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the U.S.-Russia diesel fuel deal, deeming it "very risky" and joining other European voices expressing concern. Speaking to the Italian Senate, Meloni pointed out that the rise in fuel prices is primarily due to the Iran war, not Ukraine. The deal, signed on Oct. 9 between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, permits Moscow to export diesel to the U.S. and other markets despite sanctions over Ukraine's full-scale invasion.

The U.S. Treasury Department immediately issued a temporary license for Russian diesel sales following Trump's directive.

The Russian government partially lifted the diesel export ban, allowing 500,000 metric tons of diesel to be sold overseas starting Oct. 10. Meloni criticized the move, stating that it legitimizes Moscow while it continues bombing Ukrainian cities, providing revenue to fund the war and weakening sanctions. The Italian leader noted that this action contradicts Western strategies of pressuring Putin for peace negotiations.

Despite once being an ideological ally of Trump, Meloni's relationship with the U.S. President has deteriorated over the spring and summer.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Meloni for her "support and a clear, unequivocal, principled stance." He thanked her for understanding the aggressor and the importance of building a dignified, lasting peace through strength and joint efforts for security.