Rome | October 14, 2026
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticised a diesel supply agreement between the United States and Russia, describing it as a “very risky choice” that could undermine Western efforts to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking in the Italian Parliament ahead of a European Union summit, Meloni questioned whether the agreement would deliver meaningful benefits while potentially providing Moscow with additional revenue and weakening the impact of sanctions.
US-Russia Agreement Involves 300,000 Tonnes of Diesel
Under the agreement announced last week, Russia is expected to initially supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel to US and global markets.
US President Donald Trump has defended the arrangement, saying it could help lower energy prices in the United States. The move comes as rising fuel costs create economic and political pressure ahead of crucial US midterm elections.
Meloni Warns of Risks to Sanctions Policy
Meloni argued that the deal could give Moscow greater international legitimacy while Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue. She also warned that additional energy revenue could help finance Russia’s military campaign.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has similarly criticised the agreement, describing it as an investment in prolonging the war. The criticism highlights tensions between efforts to manage energy prices and the broader Western strategy of pressuring Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Italy Calls for a Stronger European Negotiating Role
Meloni also urged the European Union’s 27 member states to appoint an authoritative representative to negotiate with Russia over the conflict.
She suggested that France, Germany and the United Kingdom—the E3 group—could negotiate on behalf of the wider EU if given an official mandate. Her proposal comes as European leaders prepare to discuss the war and the bloc’s response to Russian activities.
EU Raises Concerns Over Russian Hybrid Threats
Beyond the war in Ukraine, Meloni highlighted concerns about alleged Russian hybrid activities, including cyberattacks, drone incursions and sabotage.
She stressed the importance of protecting critical infrastructure such as energy networks, undersea cables, ports and airports. These issues are expected to feature in European discussions on security and resilience.
The diesel agreement has therefore brought renewed attention to the challenge facing Western governments: balancing energy-market pressures with sanctions and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
