US president Donald Trump has blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries for surging fuel prices, despite the fact that the US-Israeli war with Iran has been the principal disruptor of global energy supplies. (EPA Images pic)WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Friday that he had secured Russia's agreement for a major release of diesel, as he eased war sanctions on Moscow in a push to lower energy costs ahead of midterm elections.

Moscow has been hit with waves of sanctions by the United States and partners since its 2022 invasion of neighboring Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised Trump for an "unworthy" and "weak" move.

The deal comes weeks before key US elections where Trump's Republican Party risks losing its grip on Congress as voters express frustration over the mounting cost of living.