Turkey to secure Russian diesel supply under agreement with President Trump

On October 18, 2026, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that Turkey will receive a portion of Russian diesel supplies as part of a newly brokered agreement involving U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking on the Kanal 7 television network, the minister emphasized that this deal is a vital component for Turkey's national energy security, though he provided no specific details regarding the volume of imports or the implementation timeline. Turkey, which currently relies on energy imports from nations including Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, views this arrangement as a way to bolster its domestic energy portfolio.

The agreement has faced significant international backlash, drawing harsh criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European officials, and members of the U.S. Republican Party. Despite the geopolitical friction, Turkey continues to focus on its own energy independence. Minister Bayraktar confirmed plans to deploy a second floating gas production platform in the first quarter of 2028. Once operational, this addition, following the recent departure of the 'Osman Gazi' platform, is expected to raise Turkey’s daily natural gas production in the Black Sea to 45 million cubic meters.