U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to import diesel from Russia, signaling a shift in policy that could impact global energy markets. The move, which aims to lower prices before the midterm elections, has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers and experts.
The deal was reportedly struck during a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Ukraine's State Emergency Service, a separate attack by Russia in Zaporizhzhia killed at least 15 people, including three children, a day after the diesel deal was announced.
The Trump administration's decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel has raised concerns among some Republicans, who question the moral implications of importing fuel from a country involved in a war against Ukraine. Several GOP lawmakers have criticized the deal, with some calling Putin a 'butcher' and questioning the wisdom of supporting a leader linked to a brutal conflict.
The move could have significant implications for energy markets and U.S. policy on Russia. While some see it as a strategic move to stabilize prices, others argue it could be seen as a concession to a nation engaged in a war that has already caused widespread destruction in Ukraine.