WASHINGTON — The United States has lifted sanctions on Russian diesel imports, enabling Moscow to resume fuel exports to global markets. President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump said Putin agreed to immediately provide more than 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to the U.S. and international markets, with additional supplies expected. Trump asserted the action would reduce diesel prices for Americans and globally.
Minutes after Trump's announcement, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a six-month waiver to trade restrictions on Russian diesel. These sanctions were initially imposed after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Trump said his priority was to support farmers, ranchers and truckers, whom he described as dissatisfied with rising diesel prices.
For the deal to proceed, Russia must first lift its own diesel export ban. The Kremlin instituted this restriction in summer in response to domestic fuel shortages caused by sustained Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy facilities.
Russian industry experts had already advocated for ending the export ban to prevent profit losses, as the domestic fuel crisis had eased. The U.S. deal accelerates Russia's timeline for resuming these exports.
The Kremlin confirmed its readiness to supply diesel to the U.S. and global markets. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Trump wished Putin a happy birthday during their call.
Ukraine and allied nations have expressed anger over the U.S. decision, raising concerns about the broader implications for American policy toward the ongoing conflict.
