Trump Lifts Russian Diesel Sanctions to Lower Fuel Prices

President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 9, 2026, to import up to 4.8 million tons of Russian diesel into U.S. and global markets. The plan begins with an immediate shipment of 300,000 tons, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons shortly thereafter, with a final 3 million tons conditional on refinery capacity. To facilitate the deal, the U.S. Treasury Department issued General License 135, lifting sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, 2027.

Trump framed the move as a priority to reduce fuel costs for farmers and truckers ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, citing price spikes caused by a war with Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement follows a period of high volatility exacerbated by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries, which had previously prompted Russia to ban diesel exports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the accord as a "weak decision" and a "gift to Putin," arguing that the revenue would fund Russia's military campaign. Zelenskyy claimed that concurrent peace negotiations in Miami served as a "smokescreen" for the sanctions relief. Following the deal, Vladimir Putin informed Trump that an immediate resumption of trilateral peace talks with Ukraine was unlikely, citing Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow. The Government of the United Kingdom responded by pledging to maintain its strict sanctions regime against Russia despite the U.S. policy reversal.