Trump says he struck a deal with Putin to supply Russian diesel to U.S. and global markets

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on October 9 that, following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two had agreed on supplies of Russian diesel fuel to the U.S. and other global markets. The arrangement points to a possible shift away from long-standing sanctions policy toward Russia's oil sector, while Ukraine's leadership criticizes it as a step that prolongs the war.

Volumes

According to Trump, Russia has committed to supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel as soon as possible. Another 500,000 metric tons are planned for November, followed immediately by 1 million metric tons. Trump added that, given the state of Russia's refineries, Moscow could deliver a further 3 million metric tons within a short period.

The announcement coincided with a temporary license from the U.S. Treasury Department that allows Russian diesel to be supplied to the global market until April 7, 2027. Trump claimed that, thanks to U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Russian energy deal, diesel prices for Americans and the world would fall sharply and quickly.

Zelensky's response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media that the deal is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged.

Restrictions and background

Exports of Russian oil and petroleum products are limited both by sanctions and by Russia's own export bans. A ban on producers exporting diesel, marine fuel and gas oil remains in force until the end of October. On October 6, sources told the Interfax news agency that Russian authorities were considering partially lifting the diesel export ban for some producers this month.

Ukraine, for its part, has been striking Russian oil refineries, which caused a fuel crisis in Russia in the summer of 2026. Trump has repeatedly urged Zelensky to stop attacking Russian oil facilities, saying the strikes are causing a global fuel shortage and pushing prices up.