Trump Backs Russian Diesel Deal and Rebukes Ukraine Over Oil Strikes

President Donald Trump announced a deal to obtain Russian diesel on Friday, October 9, 2026, before criticizing Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries the following day. The policy shift aims to reduce US fuel costs amid energy market disruptions linked to the war in Iran, but has intensified tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and raised questions about Washington's commitment to sanctions against Moscow.

Trump said Russia would initially supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel, followed by 500,000 tons in November and another 1 million tons afterward. He also announced a further 3 million tons would arrive within a short period. The White House had not immediately clarified who would pay for the shipments or when deliveries would become available, according to The Associated Press.

The announcement marked a reversal of US policy after Washington banned Russian oil and gas imports in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump signed a sanctions law last month targeting Russian officials, financial institutions and oil transportation networks, while directing the administration to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas under specified conditions.

Trump defended the diesel agreement by emphasizing its potential impact on American consumers and businesses.

"Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority." Trump wrote.

Leaving the White House on Friday, Trump also thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for the planned supplies.

"I want to thank President Putin. To be honest with you, we have massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and it's diesel, which is what we want. So, thank you," Trump said.

According to the Kremlin, Trump and Putin discussed Ukraine, Iran and bilateral relations during their phone call. Putin said Russia was prepared to supply international energy markets.

"significant attention to the prospects of resolving the Ukrainian crisis" was the Kremlin's description of part of the conversation.

Putin also addressed the proposed deliveries in a statement released by the Kremlin.

"confirmed its readiness to supply oil and oil products to the American and global markets," Putin said.

He expressed confidence that the arrangement would benefit the broader economy.

"I am confident that this will have a positive impact on the entire global economy." Putin said.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov declined to explain whether Moscow had received concessions in exchange for the diesel or what commitments, if any, Washington had made. The Treasury Department subsequently announced a temporary license allowing Russian diesel supplies, although the available source text does not provide the license's full terms.

Trump's decision drew criticism from Zelenskyy, who argued that importing Russian energy could strengthen Moscow's ability to continue its invasion. The Ukrainian president described the agreement as a concession by allies that had previously supported Kyiv.

"a weak decision, unfortunately, a weak decision by strong partners," Zelenskyy said, according to a statement released by the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington.

He also questioned the purpose of discussions between Ukrainian officials and Trump's representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were meeting in Miami to discuss a proposal to end the war.

"I believe our team is simply being used as a smokescreen. And that is certainly not fair. It is certainly not how partners should treat each other," Zelenskyy said.

In a separate response to the diesel agreement, Zelenskyy warned that Russia would use the arrangement to its advantage.

"with further terror and perfidy." Zelenskyy said Russia would repay the deal in those terms.

He argued that the agreement could prolong the conflict and increase the damage caused by Russian military operations.

"It plays into Russia's hands — allowing it to kill more, wage war for longer, have even less respect for America, and inflict even greater losses and damage on the world," Zelenskyy said.

Trump's criticism of Ukraine became more direct on Saturday, when he accused Kyiv of contributing to global fuel problems by attacking Russian refineries. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he said Washington had permitted Ukraine to strike Russian targets but opposed attacks on refinery infrastructure.

"you can do whatever you want to Russia. Don't hit the refineries because that's a world problem that's caused." Trump said the United States had told Ukraine.

Trump connected the strikes to higher fuel costs and accused Zelenskyy of creating difficulties for international markets.

"He wants to make problems for the world." Trump said of Zelenskyy.

He also questioned Zelenskyy's leadership as the war continued more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

"I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president." Trump said.

Trump reiterated his criticism by linking Ukraine's military strategy to the economic pressures facing American businesses.

"He wants to make problems for our farmers, our ranchers with diesel fuel because Russia supplies a large portion of the diesel fuel throughout the world." Trump said.

Later on Saturday, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended Zelenskyy's position, saying the country's leadership should be determined by Ukrainians rather than foreign officials.

"has the support of the Ukrainian people, and they have the right to decide." Sybiha said of Zelenskyy.

Sybiha also rejected the implication that criticism from abroad undermined the Ukrainian president's performance.

"Statements from abroad only confirm that he is doing his job well." Sybiha said.

US lawmakers also challenged Trump's decision. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Elizabeth Warren described the agreement as a betrayal of Ukraine, European allies and American national security.

"Enough is enough," the senators wrote, calling on Trump to end the war in Iran rather than support Russia's war effort.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a co-sponsor of the sanctions legislation, said the agreement risked making the United States complicit in Russia's invasion.

"makes us complicit in Putin's war against Ukraine." Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal also criticized the agreement in relation to the bipartisan sanctions law associated with Senator Lindsey Graham.

"This agreement with a murdering dictator is a stain on our nation's character, an insult to Lindsey Graham's memory, and directly contrary to Congress's intent in our bipartisan sanctions bill," Blumenthal said.

Representative Don Beyer, the senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, also condemned the announcement.

"infuriating." Beyer called Trump's decision in a statement.

Beyer said the agreement reinforced his concerns about Trump's approach to Russia.

"This is what we warned anyone who would listen: Trump isn't the slightest bit trustworthy when it comes to Russia," Beyer said.

The deal also comes as American fuel prices remain elevated. According to AAA, the national average price of diesel reached $6.28 per gallon after setting a record of $6.52 on September 22, 2026. Diesel futures prices fell after Trump's announcement, but the extent to which the planned Russian shipments will affect prices remains unclear.