Economy & Energy
Putin: Russia ready to supply oil to the US; Zelensky calls Trump’s diesel decision “weak”
After his phone call with Donald Trump on October 9, Vladimir Putin said in a written statement that Russia is ready to supply oil and petroleum products to the US and global markets. Volodymyr Zelensky called the US decision on Russian diesel “a weak decision”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed in a written statement Russia’s willingness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US market and to global markets, following his phone call with Donald Trump on Friday, October 9. The statement was posted on the Kremlin website late on Friday evening.
“When discussing the state of affairs in the global energy market, the Russian side confirmed its willingness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US market and global markets at large. I am convinced this will have a positive impact on the entire global economy,” the Russian president said.
According to the statement, considerable focus in the conversation was on prospects for settling the Ukraine crisis, while the situation surrounding Iran and various aspects of bilateral relations were also touched upon. The two presidents agreed to maintain personal contacts and to continue cooperation across their administrations, security services and agencies.
Novak on diesel
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia is ready to start additional diesel deliveries to the US and other countries in October, and that exports will rise in November and December as refineries resume operation after maintenance work. The Kremlin statement follows Trump’s announcement that he “agreed with Putin” on millions of tons of Russian diesel, intended to cover fuel shortages in the US.
Kyiv’s anger
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply criticised Washington’s decision. Speaking to reporters, he said it was not honest and not worthy of Ukraine’s partners, and in his view “a weak decision”. He said the revenue from diesel would give Moscow additional resources for the war and undermine efforts toward a settlement.
In a post on social media, Zelensky wrote: “Russia will ‘repay’ the diesel with further terror and perfidy. Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged. What is needed is real de-escalation with Russia on a reciprocal basis,” as quoted by Ukrinform.
The Russian offer comes at a time when Kyiv has made strikes on Russia’s fuel industry a key weapon. In early October Zelensky said Ukraine would step up its strikes on Russian refineries, while Ukrainian, European and American officials were meanwhile meeting in Miami to discuss preparations for the winter. Ukraine has also sent a delegation to the US for energy ceasefire talks as Moscow asks for sanctions relief.
