Trump Agrees to Import Russian Diesel, Easing Sanctions

President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import millions of tons of Russian diesel fuel into the U.S. and global markets.

The deal, confirmed by the Kremlin, includes immediate shipments of over 300,000 tons, with additional quantities scheduled for November and December, and up to 3 million tons more depending on refinery conditions. The U.S. Treasury Department announced a temporary waiver of sanctions on Russia's energy sector to facilitate these shipments. Trump stated the agreement aims to lower diesel prices for American consumers, farmers, ranchers, and truckers ahead of the midterm elections.

The announcement follows a phone call between Trump and Putin, which the Kremlin said also touched on the Ukrainian crisis, Iran, and bilateral relations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the deal, calling it a weak decision and a gift to Putin that would help finance Russia's war. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Germany stated they would continue to push for sanctions on Russia.

A U.S. official told Axios that Trump made the deal after Zelenskyy ignored U.S. requests to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries, which had caused a crisis for Putin. Russia intensified its bombardment of Ukraine following the announcement, with strikes in Zaporizhzhia killing at least 15 people, including three children, according to Ukrainian officials.