In brief
President Trump has announced a plan to import 1.3 million tonnes of Russian diesel, sparking opposition from lawmakers, allies and markets. The move follows high European and US prices driven by the war in Ukraine and amid concerns that the deal violates sanctions. While some Republicans argue the policy will help farmers and truckers, a bipartisan group of senators has called it a violation of US law and a lifeline to Putin. Analysts question whether Russia can deliver the promised volumes and whether it will truly lower US designate fuel prices. The deal arrives just before midnight elections, raising questions about its political motives.
US President Donald Trump has announced a plan to import 1.3 million tonnes of Russian diesel, a move that has drawn strong criticism from lawmakers across the aisle as well as from international allies, amid soaring fuel prices driven by the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump unveiled the deal on Friday, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately to the American and global marketplace, to be followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and a further one‑million‑tonne shipment thereafter. He added that Russia would supply additional volumes—up to three million tonnes per month—depending on the status of its refineries that have been hit by Ukrainian artillery.
'Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority,' Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
The announcement came just weeks after the administration signed legislation to enforce fresh sanctions on nations that import Russian oil and gas, a move aimed at curbing the flow of revenue to the Russian war machine. The Treasury is reportedly suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April, but other assets—such as U.S. bank accounts—remain frozen.
In a bipartisan letter, four Republicans (Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, John Curtis) and three Democrats (Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Ron Wyden) said the deal violated U.S. law and urged the president to reverse course. They argued that Congress had unequivocally banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to stop American dollars from funding Putin’s war against Ukraine.
Not all legislators oppose the contract. Republican Senator Thomas Massie has called for lifting sanctions on all petroleum products, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that the agreement would operate through existing legal frameworks and would not breach the law.
Fuel costs have become a pivotal issue for Americans ahead of next month’s midterm elections. Average diesel prices in the United States are currently $6.28 per gallon, down slightly from a record $6.53 in late September, according to the AAA. However, analysts note that even Russia’s first delivery of 300,000 tonnes represents only about half of the U.S. daily consumption of 3.6 million barrels.
Beyond domestic backlash, the deal has drawn condemnation from foreign leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting have called on allies to continue pressure on Russia rather than facilitate its fuel exports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the agreement a “gift to Putin” that furthers a war that must end.
More context:Trump's 'energy ceasefire' claim welcomed by Zelensky but Russia silent | Trump wants to reduce the cost of fuel as midterms loom - will it work? | Analysis: Trump's shock Russia deal highlights mounting pressure to curb fuel prices
