Trump’s Russian diesel arrangement draws criticism

President Donald Trump’s announced arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply diesel to U.S. and global markets has drawn criticism from European officials, Ukrainian leaders and U.S. lawmakers, as questions remain over its implementation and the scope of sanctions relief. Trump announced the arrangement on Friday, saying Russia would release diesel supplies to international markets in exchange for a temporary easing of U.S. sanctions. One account said the initial supply would exceed 300,000 metric tonnes, with further shipments expected; another described 300,000 tonnes as being released immediately. The sources do not establish that deliveries have taken place or clarify the full terms of the exemption. European Union foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas called for U.S. sanctions on Russia, saying closer alignment between Washington and the EU could increase pressure on Moscow. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said the arrangement weakens Western coordination but should not change the EU’s sanctions position. He also said he did not expect a significant effect on diesel prices or EU policy.