US-Russia diesel deal sparks concern in Europe
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reportedly agreed on the purchase of diesel fuel from Russia. This puts European countries in a difficult position amid energy shortages and high prices.
Abdulrahman Sadikhli2 min read
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reportedly reached an agreement on the purchase of diesel fuel from Russia. This became known on October 13, 2026. The agreement places European countries in a difficult position.
European governments are paying increased attention to national security and are increasing defence spending. This is happening against the backdrop of energy shortages, rising prices and Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.
According to Berliner Zeitung, the United States could purchase diesel fuel from Russia and then sell it to European countries at higher prices.
Sanctions and midterm elections
The easing of certain sanctions against Russia to facilitate diesel fuel sales to the United States may be linked to efforts to secure a victory for Trump's party in the November midterm elections. At the same time, there is no guarantee that the sanctions will be restored after the elections, even if the Republicans win. The agreement may persist because it benefits the United States.
European countries, in turn, may continue to suffer from high energy prices and supply shortages. Against this backdrop, some European politicians have called for restoring energy cooperation with Russia. Grzegorz Braun, a prominent figure in Poland's right-wing political movement, said that Poland should participate in the Nord Stream gas pipeline project and resume imports of Russian gas.
Michael Kellner, State Secretary at Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, said that Europe is under significant pressure. According to him, the agreement between Russia and the United States will give Moscow additional revenue to continue the war.
Oil prices and the search for alternatives
European analysts also claim that US military operations in the Middle East contributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which pushed global oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel. In their view, Washington is now seeking to secure its own fuel supplies through an agreement with Moscow, which could leave European buyers to purchase the remaining volumes at higher prices.
Global fuel prices continue to rise: Brent crude has reached 107 dollars per barrel. European countries continue to look for alternative energy sources.
Source: azernews.az
