According to a Kremlin statement, the approximately 90-minute phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump focused on developments in Iran, global energy markets and prospects for resolving the Ukraine crisis. Putin said Russia was ready to supply oil and petroleum products to the United States and global markets, arguing that the move would have an entirely positive impact on the global economy.
The call came as energy prices were being closely monitored amid tensions in the Gulf and security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. The two leaders also agreed that direct contacts and cooperation between the presidential administrations and intelligence services would continue.
Schedule set for diesel shipments
Trump announced that they had agreed on the initial shipment of more than 300,000 tons of diesel fuel from Russia to the United States and global markets, followed by another 500,000 tons in November and then a planned shipment of 1 million tons. The U.S. Treasury Department announced that it would issue a temporary general license authorizing the supply of Russian diesel to the markets.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said restrictions on diesel exports would begin to be lifted ahead of schedule, while domestic demand would be fully met. Novak noted that exports could be increased in November and December once refinery maintenance was completed.
Yury Ushakov, the Kremlin's foreign policy adviser, said the possibility of restarting the negotiation process in Ukraine had also been discussed, but that a face-to-face meeting between the leaders had not been raised.
