Ukrainian forces achieved significant territorial liberation in the Donetsk region through "Operation Vivaldi," reclaiming 16 settlements and 277 square kilometers. This military success occurred as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a diesel supply deal on October 9, 2026, which temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian diesel fuel exports.

This agreement, intended to lower U.S. fuel prices, has drawn fierce criticism from Ukraine and its European allies. Critics argue the deal undermines economic pressure on Moscow, could finance Russia's war efforts, and has strained U.S.-Ukraine relations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has since announced the resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries.

What the records show

Ukraine's "Operation Vivaldi" has resulted in the liberation of 16 settlements and 277 square kilometers in the Donetsk region, according to military reports. This counteroffensive was reportedly underway for several months.

The diesel deal, announced by President Trump on October 9, 2026, involves Russia providing "millions of tons of diesel fuel" to the "American and Global Marketplace". The agreement suspends U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel through April 1, 2027. President Trump stated the deal was "essential to reduce fuel prices in the US" and aimed to address high fuel prices ahead of U.S. midterm elections.

The timeline

President Trump announced the diesel deal with Vladimir Putin on October 9, 2026, via his Truth Social network, following a discussion with the Russian President. By October 12, 2026, the deal had been met with dismay by Europe and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces reported ongoing gains from "Operation Vivaldi" throughout the week, with an additional 101 square kilometers liberated by October 14, 2026, bringing the total to 277 square kilometers and 16 settlements. Amidst the controversy, President Zelenskyy announced by October 14, 2026, that Ukraine would resume strikes on Russian oil refineries.

What changed and for whom

The U.S. diesel deal represents a reversal of years of U.S. pressure on Moscow and a shift in U.S. sanctions policy. The agreement prompted a strong negative reaction from Ukraine and its European allies. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed "overt frustration with the United States". European leaders, including Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, criticized Trump, with Babiš stating Trump "has let Europe down". Lawmakers in the U.S. also argued the deal goes against a 2022 law banning Russian oil imports. The deal is seen by some as potentially allowing Moscow to "replenish its war coffers".

What has been said publicly

President Trump posted on Truth Social that Russia would provide millions of tons of diesel fuel, stating that "Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted furiously to Trump's announcement, calling it "absolutely terrible" and "not fair and not honest". He also stated that "back room deals" with the Russian leader would give Putin "more chances on the battlefield". Zelenskyy specifically defied Trump's stated "energy ceasefire" by resuming attacks on Russian oil refineries.

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the full impact of the diesel deal on global fuel prices or if it has significantly reduced U.S. prices. We also could not confirm the precise nature or timing of any withdrawal of U.S. intelligence sharing or restrictions to Starlink satellite internet services mentioned by President Zelenskyy.