Trump revealed that Putin agreed to supply millions of tons of diesel to the United States, aiming to ease soaring energy prices. However, Zelensky condemned it as aiding Russia's war, while analysts questioned whether it would truly lower oil prices.
On 9 October 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a deal to import diesel oil from Russia, stating that President Vladimir Putin agreed to immediately send 300,000 tons to the U.S. and global markets, followed by 500,000 tons in November, and another 1 million tons thereafter. He added that an additional 3 million tons would be delivered later. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a temporary license suspending sanctions on Russian diesel imports until 7 April, though other Russian assets, such as funds in U.S. banks, remain frozen.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the deal as a gift to Putin and equated it to investing in a war that should end, not supporting its prolongation. He warned that Russia might respond by continuing attacks on Ukraine.
Analysts expressed doubts whether Russia would deliver the diesel volumes announced by Trump and how much this would reduce U.S. oil prices, noting that the initial shipment is still small compared to U.S. diesel demand.
Nevertheless, the deal comes as U.S. energy prices surge due to the Iran war that began in February, with diesel prices averaging $6.28 per gallon, slightly down from a record high of $6.53 per gallon at the end of September.
Sources: BBC, CNN