Russian Diesel Deal Raises Questions of U.S. Responsibility Under International Law
President Trump announced an agreement with President Putin under which Russia will supply large quantities of diesel, and the Treasury issued a temporary license exempting those cargoes from sanctions until April 2027. The article argues that lifting export restrictions may make the United States responsible for aiding and assisting Russia's unlawful use of force against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized the deal as fueling Putin's war effort.
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The arrangement calls for Russia to send over 300,000 tons of diesel at once, with another 4.5 million tons delivered in phases. Treasury’s temporary waiver shields shipments loaded from that day onward from sanctions through April 2027, undercutting restrictions imposed after the 2022 invasion and recently tightened by the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. A New York Times account said Middle Eastern investors would hold most ownership, including some linked to U.S. officials in the talks.
Zelenskyy said the deal strengthens Putin’s war capacity. Trump urged Ukraine to replace its president and thanked Putin. After earlier calls for Ukraine to stop hitting Russian diesel facilities, Trump announced an energy truce and told Ukraine to halt refinery strikes. Zelenskyy said he learned of it afterward, would reciprocate if Russia did, and later reported Russian violations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe would not reduce pressure.
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