Trump announced Friday that Russia agreed to supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately to American and global markets, with additional shipments of 500,000 tonnes in November and larger volumes thereafter. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed to Tass that export volumes could reach three million tonnes per month eventually.
The announcement comes as global fuel prices have surged since the US-Israel war with Iran began in late February, disrupting crude oil supplies. Average US diesel prices currently sit at $6.28 per gallon, down from a September record of $6.53. Trump cited lower fuel costs as his priority, particularly for farmers, ranchers and truckers ahead of next month's midterm elections.
The deal drew immediate bipartisan criticism. Seven senators, four Republicans and three Democrats, said Sunday the agreement violated US law. "The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians," they stated. Those senators were Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis, and Democrats Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden.
Trump signed legislation authorizing fresh sanctions on nations importing Russian oil and gas just weeks before announcing this deal. Treasury is suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7 as part of the agreement, though other Russian assets in American banks remain frozen.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News the arrangement works through existing legal channels and disagreed with Congressional critics. Republican Thomas Massie said the US should lift sanctions on all petroleum products. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal a gift to Putin amounting to "an investment in a war that must be ended."
International leaders also opposed the move. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting criticized it, saying allies should increase pressure on Russia to end the war rather than ease sanctions.
Analysts questioned whether Russia can deliver promised volumes. The US consumes approximately 3.6 million barrels of diesel daily, so Russia's initial 300,000-tonne shipment represents roughly half of daily US consumption.
Trump announced Sunday that Russia and Ukraine reached an "energy ceasefire" without details. Zelensky welcomed it, but Moscow did not respond.