By Elijah J. Magnier
Donald Trump’s decision to reopen trade in Russian diesel reveals the strategic cost of trying to manage two wars with conflicting policies. Washington wants to constrain Moscow’s ability to finance its invasion of Ukraine while finding fuel to ease an energy crisis aggravated by the war with Iran. The Russian agreement may provide some economic relief. Its diplomatic value remains unproven: the administration has announced access to fuel without demonstrating that it obtained corresponding Russian restraint.
On 9 October 2026, the US Treasury issued General Licence 135, authorising transactions involving the sale, delivery, offloading and importation of Russian-origin diesel, including imports into the United States, until 7 April 2027. This is a specific exemption within the sanctions system. It does not abolish all restrictions on Russia, but it creates a substantial commercial opening lasting through the winter.
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