How Trump's "diesel Deal" Turned Into A Joke

Yuri Fedorenko
14.11.2026, 20:13

This is a very instructive story about where populism leads.

The first “diesel tanker” from Russia approached the U.S. coast but changed course and is now zigzagging toward an unknown destination. As of early November, it was known that four ships carrying Russian fuel that Putin had sent to the U.S. as part of the so-called “diesel deal.” Three other tankers are also far from American shores: one is bobbing on the waves of the Mediterranean Sea, a second is heading to Brazil, and another is off the British coast.

The reason why none of the ships has yet unloaded at a U.S. port is clear: American society and political institutions have effectively blocked the shameful agreement between Putin and Donald Trump. Back in late October, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal called on two shipping companies to recall the tankers carrying Russian diesel.

Subsequently, members of Congress, governors, and other representatives of the American political establishment joined Blumenthal’s initiative. They appealed to the heads of U.S. banks and port authorities with a number of demands: not to facilitate the purchase of Russian fuel, to preserve all documents related to potential transactions, and to retain all correspondence with administration officials. Why?
The answer is obvious: for further investigation. The American system of checks and balances has demonstrated that a presidential decision does not necessarily automatically become binding on all market participants. Congress, governors, port authorities, banks, and the business community have their own legal tools, interests, and, ultimately, ethical principles.

Theoretically, no one has canceled the “diesel deal”: legally, the agreement remains in force, but its practical implementation has turned into a joke. A tanker that recently approached New York and then changed course was carrying about 40,000 metric tons of Russian diesel. A laughable deal. Politically speaking, it’s a comedy, too.

The fact that the winds are driving these aimless Russian vessels across the world’s oceans once again proves a simple truth: populism doesn’t stand up to reality. And even in the short term, it isn’t very effective, since it doesn’t solve any problems. Populism isn’t about the economy or even diplomacy. It is, first and foremost, a tool of manipulation aimed at an uneducated electorate during the election campaign.

Well, the U.S. election has come and gone, and the electorate turned out not to be so gullible after all. The global media, meanwhile, periodically track the movements of one or another empty tanker and turn every change in its route into yet another “sensation.” Even if Russia ultimately sells these shipments of diesel to Brazil or other countries, the original political intent—to demonstrate “friendship” between the U.S. and Russia—was not merely about friendship with Russia. It turned out exactly the opposite: this story showed that American society remains on Ukraine’s side.

This is a very instructive story about where populism leads: nowhere. There are no simple solutions to complex problems. When someone promises us “quick peace” or offers us some other political “sweetener,” it is, in all likelihood, manipulation. Real achievements are earned through sweat and blood. But they are real.

These are precisely the achievements Ukraine is making today. It’s not easy, but we need true peace and a solid foundation for the future of our children and grandchildren. For this, we are ready to fight as long as it takes. We continue the struggle. We stand firm. Glory to Ukraine!

Yuriy Fedorenko, Facebook

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