According to the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen warned that the diesel supply agreement between the United States and Russia could give Moscow additional revenues that would help it continue the war in Ukraine. He stressed that Denmark and the European Union are committed to continuing economic pressure on Russia. While Washington seeks to increase supply and reduce fuel costs, Denmark, Germany, and a number of other European countries are committed to continuing economic pressure on Russia, fearing that additional energy revenues will become a new source of funding for the war in Ukraine.
Copenhagen refuses to undermine sanctions against Moscow
Rasmussen stressed that the European Union has made great efforts to impose strict sanctions on Russia and reduce dependence on Russian energy sources, stressing the need to prevent any new agreement from undermining these efforts.
The minister explained that Denmark and the European Union's position will remain based on putting pressure on the Russian economy and continuing to support Ukraine, at a time when the American move raises questions about the extent to which allies are committed to the same approach towards Moscow.
Trump announces deal to supply diesel to global markets
On Friday, October 9, US President Donald Trump announced that he had reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately to US and global markets.
Trump stated in a post on his Truth Social platform that the agreement also includes the supply of an additional 500,000 tons during November, then another million tons after that, in addition to larger quantities that may reach 3 million tons within a short period, according to what the US president announced, and according to the ability of Russian refineries to produce.
Reuters reported these details, noting that the Trump administration is seeking to alleviate rising diesel prices, which are putting pressure on consumers and economic sectors in the United States, by increasing supplies.
Washington temporarily eases restrictions
Following the announcement of the agreement, the US Treasury Department issued a temporary license allowing transactions related to the sale, delivery, and import of Russian diesel, with the license to remain in effect until April 7, 2027.
The decision comes as part of an effort to increase fuel supplies, but it raises concerns that Russia will financially benefit from resuming sales of additional quantities of its oil products, at a time when Western sanctions are still aimed at limiting Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine.
Germany confirms continued sanctions and support for Ukraine
In a move reflecting the ongoing disagreement over the US action, the German government confirmed on Saturday, October 10, that it would continue to abide by the sanctions imposed on Russia because of its war on Ukraine.
Reuters quoted German government spokesman Stephan Cornelius as saying that Berlin stands by its sanctions decisions and is working with its European partners to explore additional measures.
The German government also confirmed that its support for Ukraine remains unchanged and that diplomatic efforts to resolve the war will continue. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously affirmed that his country would not reduce its aid to Ukraine.
Zelensky criticizes the US-Russian agreement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also criticized the agreement, arguing that it could give Russia more money that could be used to finance the war.
According to Reuters, the announcement of the agreement came as Ukrainian and American delegations were holding talks on ways to reach a settlement to the war, raising concerns in Kyiv that easing economic restrictions would weaken pressure on Moscow.
Rising fuel prices are behind the US move
The agreement comes amid a significant rise in diesel prices in the United States, which increases transportation, agricultural, and equipment operating costs, and in turn affects commodity prices and inflation.
Reuters notes that rising fuel prices represent political pressure on the Trump administration ahead of the congressional elections scheduled for November 3, 2026. However, analysts doubt that additional Russian supplies alone can sustainably reduce prices.
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