U.S. President Donald Trump announced a deal allowing Russia to sell 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the U.S. and global markets, with additional shipments planned in November. The move, which follows a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is part of a broader claim of an 'energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump's announcement came days after he signed into law a bill imposing heavy tariffs on Russian oil and gas, a move that contradicts the diesel deal. The U.S. president also claimed Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt strikes on each other's energy infrastructure, though Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed skepticism and called for clarification on the ceasefire's start date.
U.S. senators, including Democrats Jeanne Shaheen and Republicans Susan Collins, urged Trump to reverse the deal, arguing it undermines sanctions aimed at curbing Russian energy revenues. European leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, supported Zelenskyy's stance, emphasizing the need for a real energy ceasefire to protect global energy infrastructure.
Dissenting voices, including Ukrainian officials and European leaders, question the authenticity of the energy ceasefire claims, highlighting ongoing attacks on Russian energy facilities and the potential for continued conflict.