Trump and Putin agree on diesel supply deal with Russia

US President Donald Trump announced a diesel supply agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, October 9, 2026, sending Russian fuel to US and global markets after sanctions were eased to lower prices ahead of midterm elections.

According to Le Devoir, Trump said Russia would immediately provide more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and 1,000,000 tonnes afterward. The Kremlin confirmed Russia's willingness to supply petroleum products.

Trump's decision drew criticism from Ukraine as officials discussed the war in Miami. Guillaume Lavoie, a US politics commentator, described the administration's shifting approach toward Moscow.

"The Trump administration that yesterday said 'full sanctions on Russia' to force them to make peace with Ukraine, today says it is lifting sanctions on Russia because it needs to make a deal with Russia. And there we see that for Trump, the war in Ukraine is just an irritant preventing him from making deals with Vladimir Putin." said Guillaume Lavoie, US politics commentator.

The Ukrainian government objected to the agreement while US and Ukrainian representatives continued talks on security and winter preparations in Miami.

"This is certainly not honest, it is certainly unworthy of our partners, and it is, in my opinion, a weak decision," said Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.

Trump said the diesel arrangement was designed to reduce fuel costs for Americans, especially agricultural workers and truck drivers, according to his social media statement.

"Russia will immediately provide more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the American and global marketplace, another 500,000 tonnes in November and 1,000,000 tonnes immediately after. In addition, depending on the condition of its diesel refineries, Russia will quickly deliver 3,000,000 tonnes of diesel," said Donald Trump, President of the United States.

Trump also emphasized the intended economic impact of the agreement, which involved a temporary authorization from the US Treasury for Russian diesel sales.

"Diesel prices for Americans and, in reality, the world, WILL FALL RAPIDLY BY RECORD AMOUNTS! Lower prices for Americans and especially our great farmers, ranchers and truckers, is my greatest priority," said Donald Trump, President of the United States.

The Kremlin confirmed the energy arrangement as Russia remains under sanctions linked to its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"The Russian side reaffirmed its willingness to supply oil and petroleum products to the American and global markets," said the Kremlin.

Zelensky also criticized the move during continuing diplomatic efforts involving Ukraine, the United States and European representatives.

"You know, this looks like a beautiful birthday gift for Putin. It is absolutely horrible," said Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.

"It only fuels Putin and gives him the possibility to conduct an even more intense war," said Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.

US envoy Steve Witkoff said discussions in Miami addressed energy resilience, grain exports, security guarantees and long-term arrangements for Ukraine and Europe.

"Constructive discussions," said Steve Witkoff, US special envoy.

The United Nations also warned about recent Russian attacks in Ukraine, including strikes that damaged energy infrastructure before winter.

"Reached a new degree of horror," said Khaled Khiari, UN assistant secretary-general.

"Residents of Kyiv and other major cities could be plunged into darkness and face extreme cold this winter if these attacks do not stop immediately," said Khaled Khiari, UN assistant secretary-general.