Trump announces diesel supply agreement with Russia, prompting Ukrainian criticism

<p>President Trump announced on October 9, 2026, that he has reached a deal with Russia to increase the supply of diesel to the U.S. and global markets, which has drawn criticism from Ukraine. Ukrainian officials described the agreement as a gift to President Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing conflict.</p><p><strong>Details of the agreement:</strong> The announcement includes a waiver on certain U.S. energy sanctions against Russia. This news comes as Ukrainian and European diplomats were in Miami for discussions aimed at resolving the war with Russia.</p><p>Trump stated, "I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to the American and global marketplace, another 500,000 tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 tons immediately thereafter," in a post on Truth Social.</p><ul><li>He further mentioned that Russia will deliver, "within a short period of time, 3,000,000 tons of diesel fuel."</li><li>Trump claimed that combined with oil from the Strait of Hormuz, "Diesel prices for Americans and, indeed, the world, will be coming down, in record numbers, and fast!"</li><li>The Treasury Department confirmed that, at Trump's direction, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing a temporary general license to permit the supply of Russian diesel to the global market.</li></ul><p><strong>Ukrainian response:</strong> Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the announcement, stating on X that any sanctions relief for Russia without a "lasting de-escalation agreement" is a sign of weakness.</p><ul><li>Zelensky remarked, "Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world. Russia will repay the diesel with further terror and perfidy. Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged. What is needed is real de-escalation with Russia on a reciprocal basis."</li><li>He added that Ukraine communicated to Trump's envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, that it is "ready to take symmetrical de-escalatory steps" with Russia.</li><li>Zelensky proposed, "Ukraine will not set Russian oil refineries on fire if Russia does not destroy our energy infrastructure. This is the kind of agreement we are proposing to America, and we believe the U.S. has enough power to achieve such a compromise."</li></ul><p><strong>Russian perspective:</strong> Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for Putin who facilitated the deal, stated on X that the conversation between the two leaders was "successful."</p><ul><li>Dmitriev added, "Russia-US energy and economic cooperation will continue and benefit global markets and the world."</li></ul><p><em>This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.</em></p>