“‘Trump announces deal for Russian diesel as Zelensky criticises ‘gift to Putin’’”

What actually happened

Trump announced that Putin had agreed to release Russian diesel to global markets in tranches, starting with 300,000 tonnes immediately. The US Treasury is suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April 2027 as part of the deal, but other assets like those in American banks are still frozen, and a temporary licence was formally issued shortly after. Zelensky condemned the move as prolonging the war, while what Russia gets in return remains unconfirmed.

Key facts

• Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another million after that, with a further three million tonnes dependent on refinery conditions.
• The average diesel price in the US is currently $6.28 a gallon, according to the AAA, down from the record high of $6.53 recorded at the end of September.
• Russia has experienced two waves of severe fuel shortages this year from Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries, and its diesel production is estimated to have fallen by nearly 30%, according to the IEA.
• The deal represents an about-face from recently enacted US legislation authorising new sanctions and tariffs on nations importing Russian oil and gas.
• Brent crude remains above $103 a barrel, versus about $73 before the Iran war began, so the deal's actual price impact is unproven.
• Zelensky said "allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged".

What to watch for

Watch whether diesel at the pump actually falls once the first 300,000-tonne tranche lands, or whether Brent's stubborn $103 floor (set by the Iran war, not this deal) keeps prices elevated regardless. Also watch for the unanswered question the BBC itself flagged: what Russia receives in exchange, which could reframe this from "diesel relief" to "sanctions relief" once disclosed.