DOMINANT ANGLE
Rome is first reeling from the blow dealt to Kiev: the agreement on Russian diesel is presented as a "betrayed" Ukraine, concluded in the midst of Miami negotiations and as the midterms approach.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
Trump announces on Truth that Russia will deliver over 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, 500,000 in November, and then one million (Adnkronos, Libero).
- 02
The US Treasury has issued a temporary general license authorizing Russian diesel supplies, effective immediately (Libero); ANSA reports an exemption from sanctions until April.
- 03
Zelensky believes Russia will "pay back" the diesel with more terror and calls the agreement a sign of weakness, as talks are held in Miami with Witkoff and Kushner (ANSA, La Repubblica).
ANALYSIS
Rome, October 10, 2026. The announcement by Donald Trump is being treated by Adnkronos, ANSA, Libero, and La Repubblica as a turning point for which Kiev is paying the price. Following a phone call with Vladimir Putin, the sixth of the year according to Adnkronos, the American president wrote on Truth that Russia would provide "immediately over 300,000 tons" of diesel to the American and global markets, 500,000 tons in November, then one million, and up to three million depending on the capacity of the refineries. Adnkronos headlines with a Ukraine "betrayed" and writes that Washington has "canceled energy sanctions" against Moscow.
Italian newspapers are highlighting the calendar. ANSA notes that Trump "opens a game on another table" while a Ukrainian delegation and European emissaries are in Miami for two days of talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. It presents the agreement as valuable aid "in view of the Midterm elections", with deliveries exempt from sanctions until April. La Repubblica summarizes: as the midterms approach, the United States is suspending measures against Russia to lower prices.
The reaction of Volodymyr Zelensky is taking center stage. ANSA cites his message on X: the "gifts to Putin" will not bring peace and Russia will "pay back" the diesel with "more terror"; allowing Moscow to sell oil products is "an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged". Adnkronos reports a decision deemed "unworthy", La Repubblica a "sign of weakness".
Libero, in a more neutral tone, details the operational aspect: a temporary general license from the US Treasury authorizes the supply of Russian diesel to the global market, effective immediately. The newspaper links the announcement to the Strait of Ormuz and the promise of record-low diesel prices, and recalls, according to the Kyiv Independent, that Moscow had requested a easing of sanctions as part of discussions on an energy truce, while Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure continue.
The Kremlin's communication, relayed by Tass, is being reported: Russia has confirmed its availability to provide oil and petroleum products, and the arrival of Russian oil would have a positive impact on the global economy. A national angle is added in Adnkronos and ANSA: on the same day, Trump declared having "a great relationship" with Giorgia Meloni and replied "Probably" to the question of a meeting at the G20.
SOURCES (4)
- AdnkronosMEDIUM
- Libero QuotidianoMEDIUM
