EU Condemns Trump–Putin Deal on Russian Diesel Deliveries

The European Union on Saturday sharply criticised an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on deliveries of Russian diesel fuel. Brussels argues that the planned easing of sanctions would give Moscow additional revenue that could help finance its war against Ukraine.

What Trump announced

Following a Friday phone call with Putin, Trump said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to American and global markets. According to him, a further 500,000 tonnes are planned for November, and 100,000 tonnes right after that. He made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social. The Kremlin confirmed the deal, while Washington intends to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel so that shipments can go ahead.

Trump is under growing domestic political pressure as fuel prices rise ahead of the US midterm elections scheduled for next month.

The EU's position

Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, noted that Russian strikes had killed more than 80 Ukrainian civilians over two days. She also pointed to intensified Russian hybrid attacks against Europe, targeting both EU member states and NATO allies.

Suspending sanctions on Russian diesel supplies would, in Kallas's words, give Moscow "more revenue to wage war." "This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe will not do it," she stressed.

Kallas said EU foreign ministers plan on Monday to impose sanctions on more individuals and organisations supporting Russia's war effort than in any previous round since the war began.