US President Donald Trump said Russia will begin sending diesel to the United States and global markets following a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump announced an initial shipment of more than 300,000 tonnes, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and a further 1 million tonnes. He also said Russia could supply up to 3 million tonnes in the short term, depending on refinery conditions.
Trump Announces Russian Diesel Shipments
Trump described the arrangement as a significant development, saying the incoming diesel was exactly what the United States wanted. He credited the proposed supplies and US control of the Strait of Hormuz with the potential to bring diesel prices down sharply.
Putin said Russia was willing to supply oil and petroleum products to the US and international markets, arguing that additional shipments would benefit the global economy. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow could increase diesel deliveries in October and raise exports further in November and December as refinery maintenance is completed.
The announcement drew criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Axios, Zelenskyy called the decision to ease relevant sanctions to permit Russian diesel exports unfair and dishonest, describing it as a possible birthday present for Putin.
Trump responded to a question about Zelenskyy’s criticism by saying, “okay.” He also described the US and Russia as strong partners and thanked Putin for the proposed supply arrangement.
Putin’s Position on Ukraine Talks
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin told Trump that Ukrainian attacks on civilians and alleged efforts to disrupt Russia’s State Duma vote had undermined the prospects for immediately resuming negotiations. Putin also claimed Russian forces maintained the initiative on the battlefield.
Ushakov said Trump had instructed that Putin’s message be passed to the Ukrainian delegation. He added that no concrete discussion had taken place about a bilateral meeting between Trump and Putin.
Meanwhile, Axios reported that US Middle East envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were meeting Ukrainian and European representatives in Miami to discuss a possible plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
US Blockade Continues to Pressure Iran
Separately, The Washington Post reported that the US blockade of Iranian ports had reduced Iran’s oil exports to very low levels, costing Tehran tens of billions of dollars in monthly revenue.
A senior Trump administration official said Washington believes the blockade is increasing the economic pressure on Iran. The administration argues that earlier sanctions were cushioned by oil revenues, whereas restrictions on port activity are now removing that support.
However, the reported economic losses have not yet produced concessions on the main US negotiating demands, and the standoff remains unresolved. Trump also reiterated that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
Q1. How much diesel did Trump say Russia would supply to the US?
Trump said Russia would initially ship more than 300,000 tonnes, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and a further 1 million tonnes.
Q2. Could Russia supply more diesel in the coming months?
Yes. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said shipments could rise in November and December as refinery maintenance is completed.
Q3. How did Zelenskyy react to the Russian diesel arrangement?
According to Axios, Zelenskyy called the reported easing of sanctions to permit Russian diesel exports unfair and dishonest.
Q4. What did Putin say about restarting Russia-Ukraine talks?
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin argued that Ukrainian attacks and alleged attempts to disrupt the State Duma vote had undermined the prospects for an immediate resumption of talks.
Q5. What impact has the US blockade had on Iran’s oil exports?
The Washington Post reported that the blockade had reduced Iranian oil exports to very low levels, costing Tehran tens of billions of dollars in monthly revenue.
