Trump Threatens India Over Russian Oil, Then Turns To Putin For Diesel Amid Soaring Prices

US President Donald Trump has struck a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into American and global markets, promising relief from soaring fuel prices. The move has raised questions about Washington’s double standards after it penalised India for buying Russian oil while easing restrictions to secure Russian fuel for American consumers. It has also triggered outrage in Ukraine as Russia continues its attacks.

Trump announced on Friday that Russia would immediately supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another one million tonnes thereafter. A further three million tonnes would arrive within a short period, depending on the condition of Russian refineries damaged by Ukrainian attacks. Trump predicted that the additional supplies would bring prices down rapidly, particularly benefiting American farmers, ranchers and truckers.

The Kremlin confirmed Moscow’s willingness to supply petroleum products but did not independently confirm all the quantities or delivery dates announced by Trump. The US Treasury Department issued General License 135 on October 9, authorising specified transactions involving Russian-origin diesel until April 7, 2027. The exemption does not lift all sanctions against Russia.

The decision contrasts with Washington’s treatment of India, which faced an additional 25 per cent tariff in 2025 over Russian oil purchases, taking the total levy to 50 per cent. Trump removed the extra tariff in February 2026, citing India’s commitment to halt purchases, but imports later rose again. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, signed in September, allows Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, with waivers possible on national-interest grounds. India, which imports more than 88 per cent of its crude oil needs, says its energy decisions are driven by national interests and the need for affordable supplies.

But Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a more immediate concern: Ukraine’s war with Russia. The Ukrainian president called the diesel arrangement a weak decision by strong partners and warned that additional Russian energy revenues could prolong the conflict. The announcement came as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Ukrainian and European representatives in Miami to discuss a proposal to end the war.

A US official told Axios that Trump approved the deal after Ukraine continued striking Russian oil refineries despite American requests to stop. A Ukrainian official alleged that US envoys threatened to cut intelligence support, a claim denied by the US official.

The deal also reflects domestic pressure on Trump ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The Iran war and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz have pushed energy costs higher, with US diesel averaging $6.28 per gallon after hitting a record in September.

However, analysts doubt the deal will deliver lasting relief. Russia’s refinery damage and export restrictions could limit shipments, while redirecting existing supplies may not increase global availability significantly.