WASHINGTON, Oct 10 — US President Donald Trump said yesterday 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 neighbouring 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.

Prices at US gasoline and diesel pumps have surged since late February, when US-Israel strikes targeting Iran triggered Tehran’s blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for energy transit.