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US-Russian diesel trade and sanctions policy

The subject covers US-Russian diesel exports and sanctions waivers, including their administration, legal and congressional challenges, and effects on global fuel supplies and prices.

Twelve senators call on Trump to rescind Russian diesel deal

Illustration accompanying article: Twelve senators call on Trump to rescind Russian diesel deal
  • Twelve U.S. senators, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, sent a letter Tuesday calling on President Donald Trump to rescind his diesel agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
  • Senators said the deal, announced by Trump via social media last week, contradicts sanctions legislation they passed this summer targeting importers of Russian oil — a law named in memory of the late GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham.
  • Under the agreement, Russia would supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel initially, 500,000 tons in November, one million tons thereafter, and potentially 3 million more based on refinery conditions.
  • Trump defended the deal as supplying diesel to the world market rather than to the United States, telling reporters "nobody's telling me anything."
  • Senators warned the deal would "provide Putin with more fuel to finance his war machine and enable Russia to continue its brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians."
 2026-10-13 · 5 MIN READ

Zelensky calls U.S. Russian diesel deal a gift to Putin

Illustration accompanying article: Zelensky calls U.S. Russian diesel deal a gift to Putin
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned President Donald Trump's deal with Russia to supply millions of tons of diesel to the global market, calling the arrangement "gifts to Putin" that "will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world."
  • The Treasury Department issued a temporary license allowing Russian diesel to be sold on the global market despite existing U.S. sanctions; the license remains in effect until April 7.
  • Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons shortly afterward.
  • Trump signed new sanctions legislation targeting Russia's energy sector last month, including measures against Russian banks, officials and oil tankers used to circumvent international restrictions.
  • The price of diesel climbed nearly 70% since the Iran war began in February; the national average was about $6.27 per gallon Friday, according to AAA.
 2026-10-09 · 6 MIN READ