U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia will supply more than 4 million tons of diesel to the global market following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as rising fuel prices put pressure on energy markets ahead of November’s midterm elections.
The announcement comes as global diesel prices have surged following Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, which have disrupted fuel production and contributed to Moscow’s restrictions on diesel exports.
The U.S. Treasury Department has also temporarily eased sanctions on Russian diesel through April 2027 under a general license, potentially allowing additional supplies to reach the market.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the move, warning that easing sanctions without Russian de-escalation could provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war against Ukraine.
Trump is facing growing political pressure to lower fuel costs before the November midterm elections, particularly as high diesel prices increase transportation and farming expenses.
