White House Defends Russian Diesel Import Deal as US Eases Sanctions to Cut Fuel Costs

The White House is defending an agreement with Russia to import up to 4.8 million tons of diesel fuel to reduce elevated domestic energy costs. The deal follows talks between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, prompting the U.S. Treasury's OFAC to issue a general license authorizing Russian-origin diesel transactions through April 7, 2027. Under the framework, Russia agreed to supply an immediate 300,000 tons, followed by 500,000 tons in November, 1 million tons thereafter, and potentially 3 million tons more. Following the announcement, diesel fell 4.57% to $4.5235 per gallon, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the agreement as an investment in war.