President Donald Trump says the United States will receive millions of tons of diesel from Russia. He says the deal could help lower fuel costs for American workers and firms. However, the move has sparked anger in Ukraine and raised doubts about US policy toward Moscow.
Trump shared the news on Friday after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call was expected to cover a suspected plague case in Russia. Instead, Trump said the leaders had agreed on a large diesel supply deal.
Trump said Russia would send more than 300,000 tons of diesel at once. He said another 500,000 tons would arrive in November. Russia would then send 1 million tons soon after. A further 3 million tons would follow within a short time, he added.
The plan marks a major shift in US policy. Washington has spent years seeking to cut Russia’s energy income since its invasion of Ukraine. The latest deal could now put that policy under fresh strain.
Last month, Trump signed a wide-ranging law aimed at cutting the money Russia earns from oil and gas. The law also gives the US government tools to target countries that buy Russian energy. Such income helps Moscow fund its war in Ukraine.
Trump did not explain how the new diesel deal fits with those rules. His announcement has raised questions about whether the White House will impose more sanctions on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke out against the deal. He called it a weak decision by strong partners, according to a statement from the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington.
The timing also drew concern in Kyiv. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, were meeting Ukrainian officials in Miami on Friday. Their talks focused on a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said he feared the talks were being used to hide other plans. He said this was unfair and not how partners should treat each other. His remarks showed growing concern over the direction of US policy.
The deal has also drawn strong criticism from US lawmakers. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Elizabeth Warren in condemning Trump’s move. Shaheen is the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Warren is the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee.
The three senators said the deal betrayed Ukraine, European allies, and US national security. They also urged Trump to end the war in Iran rather than help fund Russia’s war effort.
The conflict in Iran has pushed up energy costs around the world. The war has disrupted fuel markets and added pressure on homes and firms. High diesel prices have been a major concern for truckers, farmers, and other workers who rely on the fuel.
Diesel futures fell after Trump announced the deal on Friday. Yet the cost at US fuel stations remained high. The national average price for a gallon of diesel was $6.28, according to AAA. The price had reached a record $6.52 on September 22.
Trump focused on fuel costs when he spoke about the deal. He said lower prices for Americans were his main goal. He named farmers, ranchers, and truckers as key groups that could benefit.
Later on Friday, Trump thanked Putin as he left the White House for a campaign rally. He said large amounts of oil were coming into the United States. He added that diesel was the fuel the country wanted.
Trump did not respond to shouted questions about Zelenskyy’s criticism. He also did not give further details about the deal or explain how the fuel would reach US buyers.
The announcement comes as Trump seeks to show voters that he can bring down living costs before the midterm elections. Diesel prices affect transport, farming, and the cost of moving goods. Lower fuel costs could offer some relief to firms and consumers.
Still, the deal may bring new strain to ties with Ukraine and European allies. It could also test the US sanctions law that Trump signed only weeks ago.
The White House now faces questions about how it will balance lower fuel costs with its pledge to pressure Moscow. The deal may help ease energy costs, but its wider impact on the war and US ties with Ukraine remains unclear.
