President Donald Trump’s move to ease sanctions on Russian diesel shipments has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle, raising questions about whether the measure could lower fuel prices or if it provides Moscow with a financial lifeline as its war with Ukraine continues.
The administration authorized certain transactions involving Russian diesel on October 9. A week later, Trump separately waived new sanctions and tariffs mandated by recently enacted legislation. Both decisions come amid growing tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump defended his approach to Russia in a post on Truth Social on Sunday. "My decision on Russia is a very simple one," he wrote. "I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table."
In the lead up to the midterms, Trump has increasingly focused on diesel costs, arguing that lowering prices would help farmers, ranchers and truckers.
The decision has sparked debate over Trump’s approach to Russia, with Newsweek readers weighing in on whether the move makes economic sense or whether it sends the wrong message at a time when Ukraine remains under attack.
Here is what you had to say:
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On Latest Developments in Ukraine War
Original Article: Ukraine Strikes Major Russian Oil Hub Hours After Trump’s Deal With Putin
What To Know: An oil-loading terminal in Rostov-on-Don linked to Russia’s Novoshakhtinsk refinery caught fire following a reported Ukrainian drone strike, hours after Trump announced an agreement to increase Russian diesel supplies to U.S. and global markets.
Reader Comment: "Trump's great plan for more diesel getting to the world market is literally going up in smoke. Ukraine has every right to attack depots and refineries in Russia proper in response to the Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants." alan_koppenst
Why It Stood Out: This reader backs Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil facilities in response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian power plants.
On Trump Waiving New Russia Sanctions
Original Article: Trump Waives New Russia Sanctions One Week After Diesel Deal
What To Know: On October 16, Trump signed an executive order waiving new sanctions and tariffs provided for under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a week after announcing an agreement with Moscow to increase Russian diesel supplies.
Reader Comment: "The libs complain about high gas prices but also complain when Trump does something to reduce them. In reality, the libs will complain about everything Trump does. Classic T.D.S. Trump is using the waiver authority that Congress explicitly included in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 while pursuing greater fuel availability for American consumers." Truth Republic
Why It Stood Out: This reader defends Trump’s decision to waive sanctions, arguing that critics oppose his actions regardless of their potential benefits and that the move could help improve fuel availability for American consumers.
On Trump's Defense of Sanctions Waiver
Original Article: Trump Defends Russia Sanctions Waiver Amid Republican Backlash
What To Know: Trump has defended his decision to waive new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia, after Republicans accused him of undermining support for Ukraine and "capitulating" to Putin.
Reader Comment: "See the trouble is?? trump already made the argument he was doing this to ease U.S. diesel prices, which it cannot. The Russians can't supply enough to change U.S. prices at all. Nor does the more recent argument about diverting Russian diesel supplies from the Ukraine war effort hold up- Russia will not sell resources it needs to fight the war. In fact the only party that benefits from removal of the sanctions is RUSSIA and Putin, who will be able to longer sustain the Ukraine conflict with a fresh cash infusion from trump's deal. TACO strikes again- and this time Russia wins and we lose." gimariechacon
Why It Stood Out: This reader questions whether the deal would meaningfully lower U.S. diesel prices and argues that additional export revenue could help Russia sustain its war against Ukraine.
On Trump Saying Ukraine Needs New Leader
Original Article: Trump Says Ukraine Needs New Leader Amid Dispute Over Russia Diesel Deal
What To Know: President Trump called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be replaced, accusing the Ukrainian leader of repeatedly rejecting opportunities to end the war with Russia and defying his warning against striking Russian oil infrastructure.
Reader Comment: "Wait, I thought fuel prices were going to come down, and come down really fast, faster than you could imagine. The strait is open, and he's cutting deals with the guy who once a day threatens Europe with nuclear attack." popisannoyed
Why It Stood Out: This reader questions whether Trump’s Russia deal will deliver the promised drop in fuel prices, while also questioning the decision to strike a deal with Putin as the war in Ukraine continues.
On Republican Fallout from Trump’s Russia Plan
Original Article: Exclusive: Republican Governor Rebukes Trump Plan to Buy Russian Diesel
What To Know: Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed skepticism about President Donald Trump's plan to return Russian diesel to global markets, warning in an exclusive interview with Newsweek that the proposal risks prolonging the war in Ukraine while doing little to lower fuel prices.
Reader Comment: "A cure to high prices is more supply. More diesel supply put downward pressure on prices." Guests
Why It Stood Out: This reader supports increasing diesel supplies as a way to put downward pressure on fuel prices and make energy more affordable for consumers.
Reader Comment: "It is good to see many Republicans standing with Ukraine and against Putin. We should stand with them regardless of how we feel about their party." Chipstr
Why It Stood Out: This comment welcomes Republicans who continue to support Ukraine and oppose Putin, arguing that support for the country should take priority over party political differences.
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