Trump defends Russian diesel plan amid bipartisan, European criticism

President Donald Trump defended his arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel into international markets, saying the additional supply could help ease high fuel prices. The plan has drawn criticism from lawmakers in both U.S. parties and European officials, who warn that easing restrictions could provide revenue to Moscow while Russia continues its war against Ukraine. Trump said the diesel was intended for world markets, not the United States. The announced schedule calls for 300,000 tonnes initially, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes in December. Trump has said further supply would depend on the condition of Russian refineries. The schedule describes proposed volumes, not confirmed deliveries, and the available accounts do not establish when shipments will arrive. A bipartisan group of U.S. senators urged Trump to reverse the decision, arguing that it could provide Russia with revenue and conflict with the 2022 ban on Russian energy imports. Republican Senator Thom Tillis questioned whether the arrangement complies with the law.