US President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian fuel exports has raised fresh tensions between Washington and its Western allies, with Ukraine warning that the move could provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war.
The agreement, which suspends restrictions on Russian diesel exports for six months, would allow Russia to sell fuel on the global market as countries grapple with supply pressures and rising energy costs.
The deal offers potential economic relief to Moscow, whose energy industry has faced mounting challenges following years of sanctions and Ukrainian drone attacks targeting oil refineries across Russian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the decision, describing it as a “weak decision by a strong partner” that would provide Russia with additional money for the war.
Trump, however, defended the move, arguing that Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries risk worsening global fuel shortages and increasing costs for American farmers and ranchers.
The US president also called for a change in Ukraine’s leadership, drawing further criticism amid concerns over Washington’s approach to the conflict.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sided with Zelensky, saying the agreement ran “in direct opposition” to efforts by Ukraine, Canada and their allies to promote peace and stability in Europe.
The agreement comes as Ukrainian drone strikes have increasingly targeted Russian oil infrastructure, disrupting refinery operations and affecting fuel supplies.
Russia suspended diesel exports earlier in October amid domestic shortages and production cuts, marking a significant setback for a country that was previously among the world’s leading diesel exporters.
Analysts have questioned whether the proposed Russian supplies would significantly reduce global diesel prices, even as the agreement could offer Moscow an opportunity to earn additional revenue.
The deal also places Ukraine under renewed pressure to limit its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Although Washington has stopped providing money and weapons to Kyiv under the arrangement described in the report, continued American intelligence sharing remains important to Ukraine’s defence. The possibility of Washington restricting that support could influence Kyiv’s military calculations.
The United States previously suspended intelligence support to Ukraine in March 2025 following a public dispute between Trump and Zelensky at the White House.
Zelensky has indicated that Ukraine could halt attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow also stopped striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
“Ukraine will be ready to stop striking Russian oil refineries if Russia stops striking our energy infrastructure,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the prospect of supplying oil and petroleum products to the United States and other international markets.
“The Russian side confirmed its willingness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US market and global markets at large,” Putin said following a telephone conversation with Trump on Friday.
He added that he believed the arrangement would have a positive effect on the global economy.
The agreement comes weeks after Trump signed legislation sponsored by the late US Senator Lindsey Graham that provided for sanctions against countries purchasing Russian oil.
Washington’s decision to permit Russian diesel sales has therefore raised questions about the consistency of its sanctions policy towards Moscow.
For Ukraine and its allies, the deal presents a challenge to efforts to restrict Russia’s energy revenues while the war continues. For Washington, the decision reflects a stated concern over global fuel supplies and their impact on American consumers and businesses.
The agreement’s wider effects will depend on Russia’s ability to supply the promised fuel, its impact on international prices and whether the arrangement changes the course of attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine.
