Carney says U.S.-Russia diesel deal hurts Ukraine peace

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday that a new diesel supply deal between the United States and Russia works against efforts to end the war in Ukraine, according to a statement from his office.

Carney spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the agreement on Oct. 11, the prime minister’s office said. The statement described the deal as being “in direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada, and our allies” and said it would “provide additional revenue for Russia.”

The prime minister told Zelenskyy that Canada will keep its current sanctions on Russia and will strengthen them if needed to support what the statement called a just and lasting peace. Carney also reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the diesel arrangement on Truth Social after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said Russia would immediately deliver more than 300,000 tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets, followed by another 500,000 tons through November and a further million tons soon after. Reports differ on how the volumes are described, and the terms have not been published in full.

Zelenskyy has opposed letting Russian petroleum products return to international markets. He has warned that easing restrictions without enforceable commitments could encourage further aggression.

The deal came alongside Trump’s announcement of an “energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy has said he supports the idea but had not seen the terms, and Ukrainian officials have reported new Russian attacks on energy sites since the announcement. Canada News Media reported on Oct. 11 that Russia struck a plant in Kharkiv after the ceasefire was announced.

Carney also said Canada appreciates Trump’s efforts to bring about a ceasefire, according to reports on the call, while criticizing the diesel arrangement itself. Canadian Press reported a separate comment from the prime minister that an energy ceasefire could ease the war if it held.

The prime minister’s office said Canada has given Ukraine more than $7 billion in military aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion and has sanctioned more than 3,500 individuals and entities.

The story is developing. The White House had not published the full terms of the diesel agreement, and Canada News Media has not independently confirmed the volumes.

Via Canadian Press, CTV News and The Globe and Mail.

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