Trump seeks lower gas prices as Russia energy deal faces scrutiny

President Donald Trump is pursuing measures to ease US fuel costs after saying Russia would supply more than 4 million tons of diesel to global markets, while analysts and lawmakers question the deal's impact and consistency with existing sanctions tied to the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to CNBC, Trump said the agreement followed a Friday phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Oil futures later moved higher as markets assessed supply risks from geopolitical tensions and attacks affecting crude transport routes.

Trump also said Russia and Ukraine had reached an "energy ceasefire" on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv would accept the arrangement if Russia did the same, while claiming Moscow had already violated the truce during a livestreamed address.

The potential increase in diesel supplies faces uncertainty as tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have risen to their highest levels since the start of the Iran war, according to CNBC. The developments have raised doubts about whether global crude supplies can significantly expand.

Energy concerns also influenced broader financial markets, with US stock indexes mixed as investors monitored oil prices and geopolitical developments, according to Yahoo Finance. Oil prices rose after initial declines, following gains during the previous week.

Separately, technology companies are relying more on independent artificial intelligence evaluators as safety concerns grow, CNBC reported. Organizations including Model Evaluation and Threat Research and Transluce are being used to assess AI models amid the lack of a federal safety framework.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said AI systems require stronger safeguards, writing on social media that the technology needs an "emergency brake."

CNBC reported that Nadella has called for models to include containment measures and independent controls as the industry continues developing advanced AI systems.

Financial markets are also watching European bond risks, with France's yields near levels last seen in 2002 and Italy preparing a budget that could increase its deficit over the next two years, according to CNBC. Goldman Sachs said Italy's debt-to-GDP ratio could become the highest in Europe.

Retailers including Dollar General, BJ's Wholesale Club and Lululemon have announced plans to reduce product variety as higher energy and food costs affect inventory decisions, CNBC reported. The strategy can reduce excess stock but may leave consumers with fewer choices.