Ukraine is again being attacked by Russian missiles and drones. We have this picture every day. International media ask again and again what “negotiations” can bring to the table, but Russia always shows its contempt to all peace efforts. Today Witkoff called Putin a “humanitarian”, and Putin appreciates these compliments by sending hundreds of missiles and drones into Ukraine again.
1.) The US is a net _exporter_ of diesel. It doesn't need Russian diesel.
2.) Russia and the US are competitors on global diesel markets. The "deal" could be bad for US exporters, but:
3.) Diesel prices are higher now than before Trump's "deal." (you can't fool the markets)
Another way to think about Trump announcement today: If he increased US diesel imports from Canada by 4%, he would gain as much fuel as from this Russia deal. But the Canadians are global super-villains, so who wants to buy from them when you could enrich Putin instead?