Putin offers US large-scale fertilizer purchases after diesel deal

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin proposed that the US purchase Russian fertilizers in "large quantities" during talks with US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday, October 21, following a similar offer on diesel fuel. Putin stated that the first tankers with 40,000 tons of fuel each would depart Russia to the US within "two or three days" under the "diesel deal" with Donald Trump, noting global diesel prices fell by 5-6%. Witkoff thanked Putin for lifting diesel export restrictions and highlighted prospects for economic cooperation between Moscow and Washington. The US Treasury's OFAC issued a temporary license until April 2027 allowing Russian diesel supplies after a Trump-Putin call on October 9. Russia may increase diesel shipments from 500,000 to 3.5 million tons monthly. Ukrainian President Zelensky called the sanctions easing "obvious weakness" benefiting Russia.