Trump Releases Details Of Major Diesel Fuel Deal With Russia

President Donald Trump says Russia will send millions of tons of diesel to the United States and global markets, a move he says will bring down fuel prices for American businesses, farmers and truckers. The announcement has drawn criticism from Ukrainian leaders and congressional Democrats, while energy analysts question how much the additional supply can ease prices.

Trump announced the arrangement Friday on Truth Social after a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” Trump’s post began.

“Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel. Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST! Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority,” the president continued.

“This is a very big and important announcement. Additionally, it must be understood, that Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he concluded.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the deal, arguing that easing restrictions on Russian petroleum sales would give Moscow more revenue to fund its war against Ukraine. He called the decision a sign of weakness and warned that Russia could use the economic benefits to prolong the conflict.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren also criticized Trump’s announcement. In a joint statement, they accused him of undermining U.S. national security and abandoning Ukraine, arguing that Russian diesel sales conflict with efforts to restrict Moscow’s energy revenues.

Trump has presented the agreement as a way to increase supply and relieve pressure on consumers and businesses facing steep fuel costs. But analysts cited by The Associated Press questioned whether Russian shipments could meaningfully lower prices, since the fuel may be redirected from other buyers rather than add substantially to global supply.

The Russian arrangement follows a separate effort to draw on emergency fuel reserves. Last week, Trump said European nations and other U.S. allies would release supplies as part of a coordinated push to boost the market.

The Group of Seven agreed to release 100 million barrels of diesel, crude oil and other petroleum products through the International Energy Agency. The release is set to begin immediately and continue over four months, with a “substantial” amount of diesel promised within the first 20 days.

Trump announced the development on Truth Social before the G7 released details.

“Europe has just agreed to release a massive amount of their heavily stocked Diesel Oil,” Trump wrote. “The process will begin immediately.”

In recent weeks, Trump had urged European governments to draw down diesel inventories as U.S. prices climbed. His administration had considered restricting U.S. diesel exports if European countries did not release more supplies, but Trump said last week that an export ban was no longer under consideration.

The G7 agreement followed a videoconference chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron. The group includes the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Canada and Japan.

“We will implement our commitments with a coordinated release through the IEA of 100 million barrels to begin immediately over four months, including a frontloaded substantial diesel release within the first 20 days by G7 members and partners,” the leaders said in a joint statement.