A U.S.–Russia diesel deal came as stocks rose, but it may have done more to open a clash over Ukraine than to cut U.S. pump prices

On Friday, President Trump announced a deal for Russia to supply diesel after talks with Vladimir Putin; the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq gained about 0.6% to 0.8% while Brent settled near $104.72, AFP and the Los Angeles Times reported. Energy analysts said redirecting Russian cargoes is unlikely to cut U.S. pump prices much; national average diesel was about $6.28 a gallon Friday, AAA data showed via ABC/AP. After Zelensky called the move a “weak decision,” Trump said Ukraine should “get a new leader”; EU and UK officials backed Zelensky, RTE reported. Read together, the deal may have done more to open a diplomatic fight than to cut pump prices, even as stocks rose the day it was announced.

Theory - analysis