Trump announces major diesel deal with Putin, infuriating Ukraine

President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release large quantities of Russian diesel fuel into the U.S. and global markets. The agreement involves the immediate release of 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and an additional 1 million tonnes thereafter, with a potential for 3 million more. This move aims to lower fuel prices, which have doubled due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections. The U.S. Treasury has issued a temporary license to facilitate these imports, even as the administration navigates existing sanctions against Russia and its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release large quantities of Russian diesel fuel into the U.S. and global markets. The agreement involves the immediate release of 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and an additional 1 million tonnes thereafter, with a potential for 3 million more. This move aims to lower fuel prices, which have doubled due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections. The U.S. Treasury has issued a temporary license to facilitate these imports, even as the administration navigates existing sanctions against Russia and its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.