Facing high domestic fuel prices ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel. The U.S. Treasury has issued a temporary license permitting these imports, despite recent sanctions legislation. Trump has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, linking the fuel crisis to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries and suggesting a change in Ukrainian leadership. While Trump claims an immediate energy ceasefire, Ukrainian officials report receiving no prior notice of the arrangement. Analysts remain skeptical regarding the impact of the pledged fuel volumes on global market prices. Meanwhile, the conflict continues, with reports of Russian strikes in Zaporizhzhia and ongoing tensions regarding intelligence sharing and energy infrastructure attacks. European nations have indicated they will maintain their existing sanctions against Russia despite the shift in U.S. policy.
Source : Tehran Times
Photo : Tehran Times
