WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump has announced a deal to import millions of tons of diesel from Russia, raising questions about US sanctions against Moscow and drawing strong criticism from Ukraine as the US midterm elections approach and fuel prices remain high.

Trump announced on social media on October 9 that he had reached the agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call. The leaders had been expected to discuss a suspected case of plague in Russia, but Trump instead revealed plans for large diesel shipments.

Under the deal, Russia will immediately supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel, followed by another 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons soon afterward. Trump said another three million tons will be delivered soon.

The announcement marks a major change in U.S. policy after years of pressure on Russia over its war against Ukraine. It also contrasts sharply with a wide-ranging Russian sanctions law Trump signed last month, which aimed to reduce the oil and gas revenues supporting Moscow's war effort.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the agreement, describing it as a setback for Ukraine's partners.

He called it "a weak decision, unfortunately, a weak decision by strong partners," according to a statement released by the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington.

Trump announced the diesel agreement while his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, met with Ukrainian officials in Miami to discuss a proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Zelenskyy questioned the purpose of the discussions, suggesting that Ukraine's representatives were being used to create an impression of progress while Washington pursued a separate agreement with Moscow.

"I believe our team is simply being used as a smokescreen. And that is certainly not fair. It is certainly not how partners should treat each other," Zelenskyy said.

The deal has also raised doubts about whether the White House will impose further sanctions on Russia. The legislation Trump signed last month directs his administration to target countries buying Russian oil and gas.

The announcement came after U.S. lawmakers urged the administration to use its available powers to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Moscow.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Elizabeth Warren, the leading Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, condemned the agreement.

They said the decision betrayed Ukraine, European allies, and U.S. national security.

"Enough is enough," the senators wrote. They also urged Trump to end the war with Iran rather than support Russia's military campaign against Ukraine.

Trump did not address the criticism over sanctions or explain how the agreement would affect Washington's policy towards Moscow. Instead, he focused on the expected benefits for American consumers and businesses.

"Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority," Trump wrote on social media.