US President Donald Trump is facing criticism over plans to import diesel from Russia as the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to affect global energy prices. On Friday, Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the American and global marketplace, with additional shipments planned. This announcement comes despite Trump's recent signing of legislation that authorized new US sanctions and tariffs on nations importing Russian oil and gas.
Some lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have criticized the deal, arguing that it violates US laws. In addition to the initial shipment of 300,000 tonnes, Trump stated that Russia would supply 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes thereafter, with a potential for an additional three million tonnes delivered shortly, depending on the condition of Russian refineries affected by the conflict with Ukraine.
Trump emphasized in a Truth Social post that lowering fuel prices for Americans, particularly farmers and truckers, is a priority. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the export figures to the state-owned news agency Tass, indicating that future export volumes could reach three million tonnes per month.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the deal, calling it a gift to Putin and an investment in a war that needs to end. Reports indicate that the US Treasury is suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7 as part of the agreement, although other assets in American banks remain frozen.
A group of seven senators, including four Republicans and three Democrats, expressed their opposition to the deal, urging Trump to reconsider. They stated that the US should not provide financial support to Russia while it continues military actions against Ukraine. The senators highlighted that Congress had explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American funds from supporting the war.
Despite the backlash, some Republicans, such as Thomas Massie, have supported lifting sanctions on petroleum products. Trump's former Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the agreement, asserting that it would utilize existing legal channels to help reduce fuel prices.
Global fuel prices have risen significantly since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began in February, disrupting crude oil supplies. The rising prices have become a critical issue for Americans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, with polls indicating a majority disapproval of Trump's economic management. The average diesel price in the US is currently $6.28 per gallon, down from a record high of $6.53 at the end of September. Analysts have raised concerns about Russia's ability to meet the promised diesel supply and its potential impact on American consumer prices.
International leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, have also criticized Trump's diesel deal, urging allies to increase pressure on Russia to end the conflict. Trump announced on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had reached an 'energy ceasefire,' but further details were not provided, and there was no response from Moscow.