DOMINANT ANGLE
Paris sees the diesel agreement as a choice by Washington in favor of its voters rather than Kiev, leaving Europeans dismayed in the midst of negotiations in Miami.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
Donald Trump announced on Friday, October 9, on Truth Social, more than 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel immediately, 500,000 tonnes in November, then one million and three million tonnes, volumes confirmed by the Kremlin and a Russian Deputy Prime Minister.
- 02
Volodymyr Zelensky considers the decision "unworthy" and "weak", sees it as "additional money for the war" and says that the Ukrainian team in Florida "simply served as a front".
- 03
RFI links the announcement to the midterms: gasoline prices have soared by 66% due to the war in Iran, and the election takes place on November 3.
ANALYSIS
Paris, October 10, 2026. The French press reports on the announcement made on Friday, October 9, by Donald Trump on Truth Social: after a "very fruitful discussion" with Vladimir Putin, Russia would provide "immediately" more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the American and global markets, 500,000 tonnes more in November, then one million tonnes and, depending on the state of its refineries, three million tonnes. The Kremlin confirmed that Moscow had "reaffirmed its willingness to supply oil and petroleum products to the American and global markets," and a Russian Deputy Prime Minister confirmed the volumes.
Le Monde summarizes the choice in one sentence: "American truckers and farmers, rather than Ukraine." The newspaper notes that the American president has "obviously freed himself from sanctions" on Russian oil, presented as a fundamental tool of pressure to deprive Moscow of resources. France 24 talks about a breach in Western sanctions, and its English version of a "stunning reversal" of American policy, which casts doubt on potential sanctions against Russian oil importers planned by the law signed last month.
The calendar plays a significant role in the stories. RFI and BFM Business point out that the announcement coincides with the resumption of discussions in Florida, on Friday and Saturday, between Ukrainians and American emissaries, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, in the presence of Europeans. For RFI, Trump is trying "to give pledges to his voters" as gas prices have soared by 66% due to the war in Iran. BFM specifies that Republicans fear losing Congress on November 3.
The reaction of Volodymyr Zelensky occupies a central place. He denounces a decision that is "unworthy" and "weak" of Washington, talks about "additional money for the Russian war" and claims that the Ukrainian delegation in Florida "simply served as a facade." Sud Ouest and 20 Minutes repeat his phrase: "it's absolutely horrible." Le Monde mentions an announcement that has "appalled" Kiev and its European supporters.
Le Monde's live report finally recalls that France "condemns with the utmost firmness" the Russian strikes, and that the Trump-Putin call also focused on the "settlement of the Ukrainian crisis" and Iran. Libération links the rise in diesel prices to the war in the Middle East and Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure.
SOURCES (4)
- 20 MinutesMEDIUM
- BFM BusinessMEDIUM
