Trump agrees deal with Putin on Russian diesel supplies, temporarily easing sanctions

US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin that would let Russia immediately supply diesel fuel to the global market. Shortly after the announcement, the US Treasury Department issued a temporary licence allowing Russian diesel to reach the market, in effect easing sanctions for a time. Washington is seeking to curb fast-rising fuel prices, which have become a political burden ahead of the US Congressional midterm elections.

Supply volumes

On his social platform Truth Social, Trump said Putin had agreed to deliver 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the market immediately, a further 500,000 tonnes in November, and another million tonnes after that. He expressed confidence that diesel prices in the US and around the world would fall sharply and by a record amount.

Prices and the elections

According to the source, US diesel prices have doubled since February 2026, when Trump launched a war against Iran. The rising cost of living is putting growing pressure on Republicans. Data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) show the average US diesel price is now $6.28 per gallon. A record high of $6.53 per gallon was recorded at the end of September, but the current price is still $2.60 higher than a year ago.

Fewer than a month remains until the midterms. Trump's Republicans are forecast to suffer a heavy defeat in the House of Representatives, and there is a real chance of losing control of the Senate too, as voters voice dissatisfaction with fuel prices. The US president is believed to hope the move will help defuse that discontent.

Reactions

Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed the agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, by contrast, did not hide his disappointment. He said any easing of sanctions against Russia benefits Moscow and prolongs a war that should be brought to an end.