US and Russia reach agreement on diesel exports and energy truce

On October 11, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an "energy truce" in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, following discussions with President Vladimir Putin. As part of this arrangement, Russia has committed to restoring its diesel exports to between 3 million and 3.5 million tons per month by the end of the year. Initial supplies include over 300,000 metric tons immediately, increasing to 500,000 tons in November and one million tons thereafter, with some shipments destined for the United States.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that these exports will partially balance global supply and demand. Furthermore, Novak reported that Russia has sold 320.7 billion dollars worth of energy resources to the European Union since 2022, despite Western sanctions. During a meeting in Miami on October 9, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly presented this agreement as a diplomatic incentive to restart peace negotiations.

While President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed surprise at the announcement, he indicated a willingness to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries if Moscow ceases attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. However, the truce's viability remains in question following reports of Russian strikes on energy targets in Kyiv and Kharkiv on Monday morning.