President Donald Trump said on Friday, October 9, 2026, that Russia would supply more than 4 million tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets after Washington temporarily authorized trade in Russian fuel to help lower surging prices.
Trump said the agreement followed a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and would begin with more than 300,000 tons immediately. Another 500,000 tons is expected in November, followed by 1 million tons soon afterward, while a further 3 million tons depends on the condition of Russia’s refineries. The Treasury Department’s temporary license permits the sale, delivery and import of Russian-origin diesel through April 7, 2027, marking a sharp reversal of U.S. efforts to restrict Moscow’s energy revenue after its invasion of Ukraine.
Trump said the additional supply would bring down fuel costs quickly, as diesel prices have climbed sharply amid disruptions linked to the war involving Iran and attacks on energy infrastructure. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the decision, arguing that easing sanctions would strengthen Russia’s war effort rather than promote peace. The announcement also comes weeks before U.S. midterm elections, increasing political pressure on the administration to address high transportation, farming and consumer costs.