Trump Announces Russian Diesel Deal to Lower US Fuel Prices, Drawing Sharp Criticism from Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement to import millions of tonnes of diesel fuel from Russia, citing a need to reduce domestic fuel prices ahead of midterm elections. The announcement has drawn immediate condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who described the deal as an unfair backroom agreement that provides Russia with resources to prolong its war. The development coincides with reports of a Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia that killed 12 people and claims of Russian territorial gains in the Kharkiv region. Domestic critics, including senior Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans, have also voiced opposition to the policy.
NewsRadar AI DeskPublished Oct 13, 2026, 12:43 AM UTCUpdated Oct 13, 2026, 12:43 AM UTC · 0 updates
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THE ESSENTIALS
Key points
President Trump announced a deal to purchase Russian diesel to lower US fuel costs.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the agreement as an investment in Russia's war effort.
Ukrainian officials reported a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia killed 12 people, including three children.
The Russian defense ministry claimed the capture of Lukashove and Lobanivka in the Kharkiv region.
US Democratic leaders and some Republicans criticized the deal for undermining sanctions and supporting Russia's economy.
What happened
President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social network that he has concluded a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import millions of tonnes of diesel fuel. Trump stated the agreement is intended to lower fuel prices for Americans, particularly farmers, ranchers, and truckers, as the US faces high costs following the closure of the strait of Hormuz.
The announcement follows recent US legislation that allowed for broad sanctions on Russian banks and tankers, though the law provided the president with discretion to grant exceptions.
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Who said what
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted strongly to the news, calling the deal "absolutely terrible" and "not fair and not honest." He stated that the agreement serves as an investment in a war that should be ended rather than prolonged, suggesting it allows Russia to continue its military operations with less regard for the United States.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren, issued a statement labeling the deal a failure to protect the country from its adversaries. Republican Congressman Don Bacon also criticized the move, stating that propping up Russia's war economy is "morally wrong."
A Kremlin spokesperson stated that Vladimir Putin responded with "understanding" to the proposals to de-escalate the conflict.
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Context
The diesel deal was announced while US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were in Miami meeting with Ukrainian and European officials to discuss potential paths to end the war. Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian negotiators were used as a "smokescreen" for the deal.
Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia killed 12 people, including three children. Additionally, Russian media cited the defense ministry as reporting the capture of the settlements of Lukashove and Lobanivka in the Kharkiv region.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Why it matters
The agreement marks a significant shift in US policy toward Russia, potentially straining relations with NATO allies and Ukraine while testing the limits of recently enacted sanctions legislation.
What we know
Donald Trump announced an agreement to purchase Russian diesel fuel to lower US prices.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly criticized the deal as an unfair agreement that aids Russia's war effort.
A Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia resulted in 12 deaths, including three children.
The Russian defense ministry reported the capture of Lukashove and Lobanivka in the Kharkiv region.
US Democratic leaders and some Republicans have expressed opposition to the deal.
What remains unclear
The long-term impact of the diesel deal on global fuel prices remains a forecast.
The extent to which the deal will affect the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is subject to speculation.
The status of the relationship between the Trump administration and the Kremlin remains fluid despite the reported deal.
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US President Donald Trump stated that it is time for Ukraine to get a new president following criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding a US-Russia diesel deal. Zelensky warned that the agreement, which suspends sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, provides Moscow with funds to continue the war. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas also criticized the move, while Trump defended the pact as an effort to lower domestic fuel prices.
