Key facts
- Trump envisions U.S. business with both Ukraine and Russia post-war.
- First Russian diesel tanker heading to New York under an Oct. 9 deal.
- Moscow eased diesel export limits to 500,000 metric tons.
- Trump believes EU should have paid for Ukraine aid.
- Shipments bypass sanctions, drawing criticism from allies and Congress.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on October 24 that he anticipates the United States will engage in business with both Ukraine and Russia once the current conflict concludes. This outlook comes as the first tanker carrying Russian diesel is en route to New York, part of a supply agreement announced on October 9. Following this announcement, Russia partially eased its diesel export restrictions, permitting the sale of 500,000 metric tons. Trump also suggested that the European Union should have compensated the U.S. for the billions in aid provided to Kyiv. The planned imports of approximately 900,000 metric tons of Russian diesel have faced criticism from European allies, Ukraine, and members of Congress, as these shipments would bypass existing sanctions against Moscow.