Trump's deal with Putin - Kremlin sends 4 million tons of diesel

On Friday, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had reached an agreement with Vladimir Putin after a "successful discussion" on the phone.

Russia will, according to the president, deliver 270,000 tons immediately to American and global markets. Later in the autumn, another million will be handed over. "Depending on the condition of their diesel refineries," the country will then supply another 2.7 million tons.

The U.S. Treasury Department's sanctions agency, OFAC, announced on Friday that the agency is immediately issuing a temporary general license to enable shipments of Russian diesel to the world market.

The announcement comes a week after The New York Times reported on a planned oil deal expected to benefit businessmen with ties to US peace negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

AP writes that the move is an attempt by Trump to lower fuel prices in the United States ahead of the midterm elections.

"This great announcement about Russian energy, diesel prices for Americans and indeed the world - prices will drop, at a record rate and fast! Lower prices for Americans, especially our great farmers, ranchers and truck drivers, is my top priority," Trump writes.

Concerns about high fuel prices have been widespread in the US and are believed to give a boost to the Democrats in the mid-term elections. Meanwhile, Trump's approval rating is at 32 percent, according to Reuters/Ipsos, the lowest of his political career.

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