Trump Announces Russian Diesel Deal

Trump said Vladimir Putin agreed to send diesel to the U.S. in waves, starting immediately with 300,000-plus tons. Treasury issued a temporary license allowing Russian diesel transactions, including U.S. imports, through April 7, 2027. Diesel prices were about $6.28 nationally, up roughly 70% during the Iran war. The move reverses a U.S. ban imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, even after Trump recently expanded sanctions. Russia had limited exports after Ukrainian strikes damaged refineries; Ukraine called them answers to Russian energy attacks. Trump said the deal aimed to lower costs for farmers, ranchers and truckers before the midterms. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said sanctions relief without de-escalation would prolong the war. The announced supply equals just over a week of U.S. diesel use. The White House did not say who would pay or when deliveries would arrive.