Western governments

Donald Trump’s decision to strike a deal with Vladimir Putin to obtain Russian diesel — a move we can label, haphazardly, Trump’s Diesel Deal — represents a troubling reversal of American policy toward Moscow. At a time when Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia and European countries are trying to reduce their dependence on Russian energy, Washington appears willing to weaken its own pressure on the Kremlin for short-term economic and political gains. The agreement, which Trump announced on October 9, 2026, involves Russian diesel deliveries to the United States and a relaxation of certain sanctions affecting those shipments.…