Trump Sets Aside Russia Sanctions Law and Pursues Diesel Deal
President Donald Trump has set aside a bipartisan law imposing new tariffs on Russia that had been signed weeks before October 19, 2026, and made a deal to purchase diesel fuel from Moscow, according to The New York Times.
Trump said Russia would supply another 500,000 tons of diesel in November 2026 and a further 1 million tons immediately thereafter, Reuters reported. Trump said the arrangement would help U.S. farmers and ranchers. U.S. diesel pump prices were up over 60% during the war in Iran, according to the same reporting.
The tariffs law had set an October 18 deadline for Trump to impose sweeping new sanctions and tariffs on Russian energy, Reuters reported. Those measures included tariffs on Russian goods and penalties on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump would take up to 60 days to weigh Russia sanctions. The Associated Press reported on October 16 that Trump had put the newly signed sanctions on hold.
Trump has defended his decision to ease sanctions on Russia. His approach to Moscow has drawn growing anger in Congress, according to USA Today. Lawmakers from both parties have complained about the diesel deal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Trump's deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to allow Russian diesel imports to lower prices a "weak decision." Trump has accused Ukraine of causing a "world problem" with attacks on Russian refineries. He also said Ukraine should "get a new president," a comment he tied to the view that Zelenskyy has not done enough to end the war.
Trump's envoys told Ukrainian officials that allowing Russian diesel exports was part of a bid to draw Russia toward peace talks, Reuters reported. The Atlantic reported that Trump intervened to protect Russia's oil refineries. During his 2024 campaign, Trump promised lower prices and a swift end to the war in Ukraine.
