Trump announced a temporary deal to import Russian diesel into the United States, suspending Treasury sanctions on those exports until April 7. The shipments include 300,000 tonnes immediately, 500,000 tonnes in November, and a further million tonnes after that, with three million more tonnes to follow depending on Russian refinery conditions. Putin confirmed Russia's willingness to supply both US and global markets but did not specify quantities in his statement.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the agreement as a "gift to Putin" and an investment in prolonging the war rather than ending it. He called for a "strong" US conversation with Russia, not a weak one. The UK government said its position "could not be clearer" and committed to maintaining "the toughest sanctions regime ever imposed by UK" while supporting Ukraine's defence.
Investment strategist Tim Armitage at Quilter Cheviot said the first tranche equated to approximately 2.25 million barrels, while daily US consumption runs around 3.8 million barrels. He described the move as "a slightly desperate effort" by Trump to lower inflation ahead of midterm elections and said it "won't make a material difference to pump prices in the US."
The deal marks a reversal from Congress legislation Trump recently signed authorising new sanctions and tariffs on nations importing Russian oil and gas. The US Treasury issued a formal temporary licence for Russian diesel immediately after Trump's announcement. An envoy for Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, welcomed the arrangement on social media, calling it beneficial to the world.
Analysts questioned Russia's capacity to deliver the promised volumes. Ukrainian drone strikes have reduced Russian diesel production by nearly 30 per cent according to the International Energy Agency, and refineries remain targets of ongoing Ukrainian attacks. Zelensky defended those strikes as responses to Russia's "years-long campaign of terror" against Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
The BBC asked the White House what Russia will receive in return for the commitment. Trump has spent months combating political damage from fuel price spikes driven by the Iran war, which began in February. Average US diesel prices stand at $6.28 per gallon, down from a September peak of $6.53.