Trump-Putin diesel deal sparks Ukraine rift before US midterms

Donald Trump announced on Friday that Russia will supply over 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately to US and global markets, with 500,000 tonnes more in November and up to 4.8 million tonnes total. The Kremlin confirmed Moscow's readiness to boost energy exports following a phone call between the two presidents.

The agreement triggered sharp criticism from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who called it an "unjust and indecent" gift to Putin that funds the war effort. Kyiv argues the fuel revenue enables further Russian aggression against Ukraine.

“Continuing to strike refineries, Zelenskyy undermines the goodwill he managed to build with Trump over the last six months.”

According to Axios, Trump moved ahead with the deal after Zelenskyy rejected six US demands to unilaterally stop attacks on Russian refineries. Ukrainian strikes have caused a domestic fuel crisis in Moscow, prompting a Russian export ban that tightened global markets already strained by the Iran conflict.

Zelenskyy had offered a reciprocal halt — stopping refinery strikes if Russia ceased attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The White House reportedly insisted on a one-sided Ukrainian pause, viewing refinery hits as a driver of US pump prices ahead of the November 3 midterms.

Analysts question the deal's market impact. The initial 800,000 tonnes cover barely a day and a half of US diesel demand. Energy experts estimate only a 5-6% supply increase by year-end, calling the move more political than substantive. The Treasury will reportedly suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7.

Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Michael McCaul, warned the sanctions relief could financially strengthen Moscow despite the stated goal of lowering consumer costs. The agreement comes weeks after Trump signed legislation expanding sanctions authority on Russian energy buyers.

European allies backed Kyiv's stance, arguing peace cannot be achieved through weakness. The White House maintains the deal addresses immediate price pressures while broader peace talks continue.