President Donald Trump says he has made a deal with President Vladimir Putin to supply Russian diesel to the U.S. in a bid to lower fuel costs.
“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” Trump announced Friday afternoon on Truth Social.
It comes as Americans have seen their fuel costs rocket following Trump’s war in Iran. The deal raises questions about Trump’s sweeping sanctions on Russia, signed into law just last month, that aimed to punish and pressure Moscow for its war against Ukraine.
Diesel prices are currently at $6.51, according to AAA. That is up from $3.89 a year ago.
Trump touted the deal ahead of the midterm elections amid a gloomy forecast for Republicans, and claimed that lowering costs was his “greatest priority.”
“Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!” Trump said. “Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority.”
Gas prices have surged globally since Trump launched a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran at the end of February. Currently, a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.46, up from $3.16 a year ago.
Americans have been hit hard by high gas prices, with the issue forecast to hurt Trump and the Republicans at the polls in November.
A recent survey found 78 percent of Americans blame Trump for higher gas prices, according to The Hill. If that issue leads voters to back Democrats, Republicans could lose control of Congress and it could stall Trump’s agenda.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a swift reaction to the deal and claimed Putin was trying to agree to deals to buy time in the war.
“Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world,” he said.
The deal casts doubt on the likelihood of the White House imposing sanctions on Russia as the nation continues to wage war with Ukraine.
Shortly after Trump made the announcement, the Treasury Department said it was immediately issuing a temporary license allowing Russian diesel to be supplied to the global market.
The Associated Press contributed reporting
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