The United States has suspended sanctions on the sale and import of Russian diesel fuel until April 7, 2027, following a discussion between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The US Treasury Department announced the temporary exemption last night, allowing transactions involving the sale, delivery, unloading and import of Russian diesel, including shipments entering the United States.

Diesel prices have risen sharply in international markets due to disruptions in fuel supplies. Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have affected production, while Russia has introduced limits on diesel exports. Attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group, which is backed by Iran, on facilities in Saudi Arabia have added further pressure to global fuel availability. The decision comes as Trump faces domestic pressure to reduce fuel costs ahead of the US midterm elections in November.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said Russia would immediately provide more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November, one million tonnes at a later stage and another three million tonnes, depending on the condition of Russian refineries.

Trump thanked Putin for agreeing to supply the fuel. He said the proposed deliveries, together with what he described as US control of the Strait of Hormuz, could help lower diesel prices. He added that reducing fuel expenses for American farmers, ranchers and truck drivers remained his main priority.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that relaxing sanctions without a lasting agreement could enable Russia to continue the war for longer. He urged countries to strengthen sanctions, maintain military assistance to Ukraine and increase pressure on Moscow to bring the conflict to an end.