US hopes diesel deal can 'soften' Moscow on peace talks, sources say
USO•US envoys told Ukrainian officials that a deal allowing Russia to supply more than 2.25 million barrels of diesel to US and global markets could help restart peace talks. Ukraine did not formally agree to anything at the meeting but signaled openness to an energy ceasefire if Russia agreed as well.
1. Diesel deal and talks
Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner told Ukrainian officials in Miami that the diesel deal could help bring Russia back to negotiations. One person familiar with the meeting said the US viewed the deal as a signal that Trump was open to working with Moscow.
2. Disagreement over concessions
The deal will allow Russia to supply more than 2.25 million barrels of diesel to US and global markets. Some US lawmakers said it would provide Moscow with cash for its war without requiring concessions. Trump said the agreement would lower US energy prices, while some experts said the additional supply would be less than a day's US transport-sector consumption.
3. Ceasefire remains uncertain
Kushner reiterated a US request for Ukraine to stop striking Russian refineries, but officials said the Americans did not threaten to cut off support if Kyiv refused. Ukraine left the meeting without a formal agreement, though officials signaled openness to an energy ceasefire if Russia also agreed. Russia rejected a Ukrainian proposal for a 60-day truce, and a person close to the Kremlin said Putin wanted the remaining 11% of Donbas before returning to negotiations.
