US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Russia to import diesel, reversing American sanctions policy towards Moscow. The initial deal provides for 300,000 tonnes of diesel for the American and global markets.
The administration says the move will ease fuel prices in the United States. However, it came only weeks after Trump signed a law imposing tariffs and sanctions on countries buying Russian energy products, making the change of course highly controversial.
The Treasury Department issued a temporary licence authorising the sale, transport and import of Russian diesel until 7 April 2027. Lawyers and lawmakers question whether a presidential licence can override a ban passed by Congress, and the move drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, as well as from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.