Trump Secures Russian Diesel Deal for Global Markets

US President Donald Trump announced a diesel supply agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday that will allow Moscow to release millions of tons of diesel into global markets, while Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the move over its potential impact on the war.

Trump said Putin agreed to supply more than 4 million tons of diesel, starting with more than 300,000 tons immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November and additional shipments tied to Russian refinery conditions.

According to CNBC, the US Treasury issued a temporary license allowing Russian diesel into the market through April 2027. The BBC reported the measure followed pressure over rising fuel costs in the United States.

Trump said Putin agreed to allow Moscow to "immediately release" diesel supplies, according to the president's statement.

Trump also wrote that "Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!" in a social media post.

US diesel prices have risen sharply amid disruptions to global refining capacity. AAA data cited by the BBC showed the average US diesel price at $6.28 per gallon, down from a record $6.53 at the end of September.

Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for Putin, welcomed the agreement and said Russia-US energy cooperation could help global markets.

"Russia-US co-operation on diesel and energy will benefit the world," said Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky opposed easing restrictions that would allow Russian petroleum products to return to markets without a broader agreement to reduce hostilities. He argued the move could provide support for Moscow during the conflict.

"Gifts to Putin will not work for peace," said Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.

Zelensky also warned that Russia could respond to the arrangement while continuing its military campaign. He linked energy decisions involving Russia to the broader security situation.

"further terror," said Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader defended strikes on Russian refineries, saying they followed attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

"Russia's years-long campaign of terror against Ukraine's energy sector," said Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.

In a separate statement reported by CNBC, Zelensky expanded his criticism of the agreement and said selling Russian petroleum products could affect the course of the war.

"Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world," said Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.

The BBC reported that Russia's diesel production was estimated by the International Energy Agency to have fallen by nearly 30% after refinery disruptions. The global Brent crude benchmark remained above $103 per barrel, compared with about $73 before the Iran war began.