Stories

Sun, 11 Oct 2026

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 Trump faces growing backlash over plans to import diesel from Russia

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have criticised the deal, which was announced weeks before the US midterm elections.

* US President Donald Trump has announced a deal with Russia to import 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by several other shipments.
* The move has been criticized by some Republican and Democratic lawmakers who believe it violates US laws.
* The deal would suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7, but other assets like those in American banks are still frozen.
* Trump claims the deal will bring down fuel prices for Americans, but critics argue that Russia may not be able to supply the promised quantity of diesel.
* Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the deal a "gift" to Russian President Vladimir Putin and said it amounts to an investment in a war that must be ended.
* A group of seven senators have signed a statement urging Trump to reverse course, saying that Congress had explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022.
* The average diesel price in the US is currently $6.28 per gallon, down from the record high of $6.53 recorded at the end of September.
* Analysts have questioned whether Russia can provide the promised quantity of diesel and whether doing so will ease prices for American consumers.
* Trump's deal with Russia has been criticized by international leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting.