Trump Turns to Russian Diesel to Lower Fuel Prices Ahead of Midterms
Trump says Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets, as Washington eases sanctions amid soaring fuel prices and Ukrainian criticism.
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U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply diesel to American and international markets.
Washington will temporarily relax sanctions on Russian fuel to curb soaring prices ahead of November’s congressional elections.
Trump said Russia committed to providing more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately, about 2.25 million barrels, after what he described as a successful discussion with Putin.
The agreement also envisages an additional 500,000 tons in November, followed by another 1 million tons shortly afterward.
Further deliveries would depend on the operational condition of Russian refineries, several of which have suffered damage from Ukrainian attacks, Trump said.
Washington Temporarily Eases Russian Oil Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a license permitting imports of Russian diesel until April 7, temporarily easing restrictions intended to limit Moscow’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
Washington imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies in October 2025, targeting energy-sector revenues after Moscow’s 2022 invasion.
The new arrangement could generate billions of dollars for Russia, potentially strengthening its finances as the war continues.
Zelensky Condemns Agreement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Washington’s decision, which coincided with a visit by Ukrainian officials to the U.S. to discuss efforts to end the war.
Zelensky described the agreement as a weak response from powerful partners, warning that additional Russian energy revenues would undermine efforts to pressure Moscow.
"Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world. Russia will 'repay' the diesel with further terror and perfidy," Zelensky wrote on X.
Opposition also emerged within Trump’s Republican Party.
Representative Don Bacon urged Washington to enforce recently approved sanctions against Moscow rather than ease restrictions that could increase Russian government revenues while the war continues.
Diesel Prices Surge Ahead of U.S. Midterms
The agreement comes as diesel costs have climbed sharply, increasing pressure on the Trump administration ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Average U.S. diesel prices reached $6.28 per gallon on Thursday, according to motoring organization AAA, approaching record levels.
Prices have increased 70% since the U.S. and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28, with the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine contributing to a global shortage of fuel supplies.
U.S. diesel futures dropped almost 5% following Trump's announcement, trading at $4.64 per gallon.
White House Considers Emergency Production Measures
Trump is also preparing additional measures to increase domestic fuel production, according to three industry sources.
Officials are also considering invoking the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era law that gives the president powers to support critical domestic manufacturing and prioritize government contracts.
The administration has examined using the legislation to increase refining capacity as disruptions linked to the Iran war expose vulnerabilities in U.S. fuel supplies.
In September, refining executives told administration officials that upgrading and expanding existing facilities would be more effective than building new refineries, which would cost far more and take years.
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