President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russia to supply millions of tons of diesel to the US and global markets. The announcement came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Washington’s approach to negotiations with Moscow.

“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” the President wrote on Truth Social Friday. “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.” 

He continued, “Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel.”

The agreement marks a shift in US policy toward Russian energy exports. Washington banned imports of Russian petroleum products in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Treasury Department has issued a temporary license allowing Russian diesel to enter the global market.

Trump announced the deal as fuel prices have surged in the US since the outbreak of war with Iran. The President is attempting to bring down fuel prices as the November midterm elections approach. 

On Thursday, Zelensky criticized the US stance on the war in Ukraine. “One cannot, on the one hand, negotiate with the Russians about future economic projects, whilst on the other ‌hand say that ⁠we find ourselves in some sort of … diplomatic stalemate,” he said. 

Responding to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assessment that the war was at a stalemate, Zelensky told reporters, “So where’s the truth here, where’s the honesty? Where’s the stalemate? … That’s called unwillingness.”