Trump announces deal for Russian diesel as Zelensky criticises 'gift to Putin'

Key Points:

• US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to allow Moscow to immediately release hundreds of thousands of tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets, with US Treasury suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 2027.
• The deal involves an initial release of 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another million thereafter, with a potential additional three million tonnes depending on refinery conditions affected by Ukrainian attacks.
• Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly criticized the easing of sanctions, stating it would prolong the war and accused Russia of repaying diesel with further terror, while defending Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure as a response to Russian aggression.
• The announcement comes amid rising fuel prices in the US linked to the Iran war and global energy tensions, with diesel prices recently peaking at record highs before a slight decline.
• The deal has raised concerns among European allies and pro-Ukraine US politicians, as it contradicts recent US legislation imposing sanctions on Russian energy imports and may be seen as indirectly funding Russia's war efforts.