A deal to supply Russian diesel to the United States could open the door to broader economic cooperation, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev said on Wednesday. He added that Moscow would overcome sanctions-related challenges to ensure fuel deliveries.
US President Donald Trump said last Friday that he had reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The deal would allow Russia to release diesel supplies for the United States and global markets.
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Trump is seeking to lower diesel prices in the United States ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The agreement has also raised questions about Washington’s sanctions policy toward Moscow.
The deal requires Trump to lift some US sanctions previously imposed on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and several European officials have criticised the agreement.
Dmitriev said the diesel arrangement could provide a model for future agreements. He added that Russia wanted to continue economic and investment engagement with the United States.
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The Kremlin envoy said both countries had other opportunities for cooperation in energy, minerals and investment. He argued that such projects could benefit Russia, the United States and global markets.
Dmitriev also criticised the impact of American sanctions on US citizens and farmers. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the diesel deal as a risky decision. She said it conflicted with efforts to pressure Putin into negotiating peace with Ukraine.