President Trump said Russia agreed to supply hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel to US and global markets, prompting sharp criticism from Ukraine's Zelensky.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Russia had agreed to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately to American and global markets, with additional volumes of 500,000 tons in November and further shipments later.
The arrangement includes a temporary suspension of certain US sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 2027, according to reports, as Trump cited high domestic fuel prices ahead of midterm elections.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the deal as a gift to Putin that would prolong the war, saying gifts to Putin would not bring peace and that Russia would repay with further terror.
US officials indicated the decision followed Ukraine's continued strikes on Russian oil refineries despite repeated requests to halt them, according to Axios reporting citing a US official.
Analysts noted the volumes represent a relatively small share of global or US demand and may have limited immediate impact on prices, while the move strains relations with Kyiv and European allies.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Zelensky called the deal not fair and not honest
- US official said Zelensky ignored requests to stop refinery strikes
- Energy analysts expressed doubts on significant price relief