Trump agrees deal with Putin to release Russian diesel to US and global markets

Donald Trump has announced that he has made a deal with Vladimir Putin that will allowing Russia to “immediately release” diesel into the US and global markets. Trump said on Truth Social the Russian President agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another million after that. His move is likely to lead him to be accused of funding Putin’s war against Ukraine. He wrote: “Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!” Trump insisted that the “great announcement” on Russian energy would help lower costs quickly. “Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority,” the US leader added. The controversial President’s announcement comes after diesel prices in the US doubled since the war with Iran began in February, over the conflict causing global supply issues. The shortage has put pressure on Republicans ahead of the midterm elections due to the rising cost of living in the country. The US Treasury Department has issued a temporary license to enable Russian diesel to flow to global markets through April 2027. Political analysts have widely tipped Trump to lose control of Congress after the vote on November 3 over Republican candidates being impacted by Trump’s low approval ratings, as well as surging inflation and rising fuel prices. Today (9 October), a gallon of diesel cost $6.28 in the US, up from $3.68 a year ago. In a leaked call on Wednesday, Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate in Texas, warned that his campaign was being hurt by high gas and diesel prices, and the Iran war, Axios reports.Moscow has been hit with waves of sanctions by the US and partners since its 2022 invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Temporary US sanctions waivers this year to allow sales of Russian oil could complicate efforts to deprive Moscow of revenue needed for its war on Ukraine. Trump’s announcement on Friday came as US, Ukrainian and European officials were due to hold talks in Miami in a fresh diplomatic effort to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Moscow, which launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. This breaking news story is being updated. EXPLORE MORE ON THE TOPICS IN THIS STORY