In brief
President Trump’s announcement to import diesel from Russia has provoked fierce backlash from lawmakers across the aisle and raised questions about U.S. sanctions law. Despite new tariffs on Russian oil and gas, the administration proposes shipping hundreds of thousands of tonnes of diesel to the U.S. market to curb fuel costs before midterm elections. Senators argue the deal violates U.S. law and funds the war in Ukraine, while Russia’s officials claim the shipment could reach three million tonnes per month. Analysts doubt the impact on fuel prices and question Russia’s ability to supply the promised volumes amid attacks on its refineries. International critics, including UK and Canada, urge the U.S. to focus on ending the war rather than easing prices.
By Madeline Halpert
12 October 2026, 00:18 BST
President Donald Trump has announced a controversial plan to bring diesel from Russia, a move that has generated fierce criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle amid rising fuel prices and the ongoing Ukraine war.
The president said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately to the American and global market, followed by larger shipments in November and later months. Trump described the move as a priority to help lower prices for Americans, especially farmers, ranchers and truckers.
The deal comes weeks after the administration signed new sanctions and tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas, raising questions about its legality. A group of seven senators—four Republicans, three Democrats—issued a statement calling the deal a violation of U.S. law and an illicit lifeline for Putin while he continues the war in Ukraine.
Russia’s deputy prime minister Alexander Novak confirmed the volumes, suggesting the export could reach three million tonnes per month in the future, and the Treasury Department is reportedly suspending sanctions on diesel exports through April 7, while keeping other assets frozen.
Analysts warn the promised shipments may not significantly ease American fuel costs, given the U.S. consumes about 3.6 million barrels of diesel per day—checking whether 300,000 tonnes worth of Russian diesel equals roughly half of a day’s use. The question also remains whether Russia’s refineries can deliver the fitted volumes after sustained attacks from Ukraine.
International allies have also turned a wary eye on the agreement. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the U.S. for focusing on price reductions instead of applying pressure to force Russia to end the war. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed similar concerns.
The fuel deal arrives amid a political storm: polls show a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy and the war in Iran, while the next month’s midterm elections will decide whether his party keeps control of Congress.
