On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social that the administration had acted in the American people's best interest by securing a massive diesel supply from Russia. He slammed Western media for ignoring the fact that the EU had paid Russia $250 billion for energy. “America First!” he wrote, echoing his campaign slogan.
The deal would bring 300,000 tonnes of diesel into the U.S. immediately, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November, with a further 1 million tonnes and another 3 million tonnes contingent on refinery output. Totaling 5.3 million tonnes, the shipment would cover a portion of the U.S. fleet's fuel needs. Trump credited President Vladimir Putin for agreeing to the arrangement.
The EU announced fresh sanctions on Monday, listing 1,569 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex, including 826 companies and 743 CEOs. The package, which boosts the existing tally to nearly 4,600, targets mid‑level suppliers that generate at least €20 billion in annual turnover and employ over 250,000 people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lambasted the deal, saying it would give Moscow more revenue to finance its war. He praised the EU sanctions, calling them the “right and necessary signal.” Three days after Trump’s post, Russian forces struck six Ukrainian energy facilities, injuring 33 civilians.
Putin defended the supply, arguing it would benefit the global economy and support U.S. fuel needs. He said Russia is ready to supply oil and petroleum products to the U.S. and worldwide markets. The U.S. Congress is slated to debate the policy in the coming weeks, with the Senate Energy Committee scheduled to hear testimony next month.