Trump announces deal with Putin to deliver Russian diesel fuel to the US
New York Post · RC · trust 34/100
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The Treasury Department facilitated Trump’s announcement by issuing a general license allowing any company to buy or sell Russian diesel without fear of US sanctions.
A sticker of President Donald Trump saying “I Did That” referring to the price of diesel is seen at a Mobil gas station, Thursday, October 8, 2026, in Coral Springs, Florida. Robert Bell/INSTARimages “I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with [Putin] wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel.”
Later, as Trump departed the White House for an evening campaign rally in upstate New York, he added: “I want to thank President Putin, to be honest with you. We have massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and it’s diesel, which is what we want.”
President Donald Trump speaks during a Columbus Day celebration in the East Room of the White House, Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, in Washington. AP Photo/Tom Brenner The decision outraged Zelensky, who has pushed for stronger US sanctions on Russian oil products.
“ It is certainly unworthy of our partners, and it is, in my view, a weak decision,” Zelensky told reporters .
In an interview with Axios, Zelensky added : “ You know, it looks like a happy birthday present for Putin. It looks absolutely terrible.”
He railed further on X: “Peace never comes through weakness… Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world. Russia will ‘repay’ the diesel with further terror and perfidy. Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged.”
Trump did not seem to appreciate Zelensky using the word “weak” — ignoring one reporter’s question about the criticism before side-stepping the jab when pressed by another journalist.
“We are a strong partner. We need oil for the world. And this is diesel, which is what we need. So we’re very happy to get it,” Trump replied.
Trump previously chastised Zelensky for launching drone attacks on most major Russia oil refineries, driving up the international cost of fuel, which is Russia’s most lucrative export.
The new policy on Russian diesel could ease domestic price concerns ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections and is the latest twist in Trump’s stance toward the commodity, which he previously targeted to pressure Putin to end his invasion of Ukraine.
Trump on Sept. 18 signed the “Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” which takes effect on Oct. 19, imposing a 500% tariff on Russian goods and allowing secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian fuel.
Many of the provisions in that law can be waived by the president.
Trump imposed major oil sanctions against Russia last October, but issued waivers this year to account for the economic disruption of the Iran conflict.
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