U.S.-Russia deal on diesel is 'very risky choice,' says Italy PM Giorgia Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticized a new U.S.-Russia diesel supply deal, labeling it a risky move that undermines sanctions against Moscow. While the U.S. argues the deal will lower domestic energy prices, European leaders fear it provides Russia with financial legitimacy during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Why it matters
The deal highlights a growing rift between U.S. domestic economic policy and European security strategy regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“The deal between the United States and Russia over diesel supply is a "very risky choice" that runs counter to efforts to force Vladimir Putin to sit at a negotiating table with Ukraine ,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Wednesday (October 14, 2026).
The United States and Russia agreed last week that Moscow would initially supply more than 3,00,000 metric tonnes of diesel to U.S. and global markets.
"The outcome of this decision is uncertain, while the risks are clear," Ms. Meloni told the Italian Parliament ahead of an European Union (EU) summit this week.
"It provides Moscow with legitimacy as its bombs continue to fall on Ukrainian cities, generates new revenue to finance the war, and implicitly weakens the effectiveness of sanctions," she added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticised the accord, calling it "an investment in a war that must be ended."
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