Trump Secures Russian Diesel Deal Before US Midterm Elections

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, that Russia will supply diesel to the U.S. and global markets after a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the administration seeks to address high fuel prices ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Trump said the agreement includes more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1,000,000 tons afterward. He also said additional supplies could reach 3,000,000 tons depending on Russian refinery conditions.

According to Trump, the discussion with Putin was a "highly successful" conversation. Trump said Russia agreed to deliver fuel shipments as part of the arrangement.

"immediately thereafter" was how Trump described the timing of the 1,000,000-ton shipment after the November supply. He also said Russia could deliver more fuel "within a short period of time" after that.

Trump said the agreement was aimed at reducing fuel costs for Americans. "Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority," Trump said.

The announcement followed Trump's signing of a broad Russia sanctions law last month targeting parts of Moscow's energy economy. The U.S. Treasury Department later issued a general license allowing Russian diesel shipments to the global market until April 2027.

Trump administration officials did not immediately clarify payment details or when the fuel would arrive. AAA reported the U.S. average diesel price was $6.23 per gallon on Friday after reaching $6.52 on Sept. 22.

Putin said the call with Trump included discussions on Ukraine, Iran and bilateral relations. The Kremlin said the leaders discussed "significant attention to the prospects of resolving the Ukrainian crisis" and "the situation around Iran and various aspects of bilateral relations."

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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the agreement, arguing it could benefit Moscow while the war continues. He said Putin was seeking "backroom deals" to gain time in the conflict.

"Russia will ‘repay' the diesel with further terror and perfidy. Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged," Zelenskyy said.

Rep. Don Beyer, the senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, also criticized the announcement. He described Trump's move as "infuriating".

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