Russia says its diesel exports may exceed volumes announced by Trump
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Oct 12 that Russian diesel exports could reach 3.0-3.5 million tonnes per month by the end of the year, returning to levels seen before the crisis. President Donald Trump announced on Oct 9 that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets, and his administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel. The deal has been criticised by Ukraine and some US lawmakers.
Why it matters: The arrangement ties energy exports to the easing of sanctions, making sanctions the central theme of the episode.