What happened
US President Donald Trump has announced a deal to import Russian diesel, with Russia agreeing to release 300,000 tonnes immediately, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another million after that. The move has sparked criticism from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called it a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin that amounts to an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged.
The US Treasury is suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until 7 April as part of the deal. Analysts have questioned whether Russia is capable of providing the quantity of diesel promised and the extent to which it will ease prices for American consumers.
Trump's announcement is the latest effort to lower fuel prices in the US, which have been soaring due to the Iran war. The average diesel price in the US is currently $6.28 a gallon, according to the AAA.
Zelensky has defended Ukraine's drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, saying they are in response to Russia's years-long campaign of terror against Ukraine's energy sector. The UK government has stated that it will continue to work with international partners to support Ukraine and maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions.
