Key Takeaways
- Carney opposed the U.S.-Russia diesel agreement, saying its revenue could help finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- Carney supported an energy ceasefire aimed at stopping attacks on energy infrastructure and civilians.
- Canada said it would maximize oil and diesel exports to the United States while continuing support for Ukraine.
Two phone calls. Two presidents. Two different messages from Canada’s prime minister on the same day.
On October 11, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the U.S.-Russia diesel agreement during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In a separate conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, Carney thanked him for his leadership toward securing an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
So why was Carney criticizing one initiative while supporting another?
Why Carney Opposes the Russian Diesel Deal
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney and Zelenskyy discussed a new agreement for Russia to supply millions of tonnes of diesel to the United States.
Carney said the agreement opposed efforts by Ukraine, Canada and their allies to create peace and stability in Europe. He warned that it would provide additional revenue for Russia and help finance its war against Ukraine.
Carney also reaffirmed that Canada would maintain—and, where effective, tighten—sanctions to support a just and lasting peace.
The leaders discussed increasing coordination with allies to strengthen support for Ukraine’s air defence. PMO readout
Why Did Carney Thank Trump?
In his separate conversation with Trump, Carney thanked the president for his leadership toward securing an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
The PMO said Carney expressed Canada’s strong support for the agreement and reiterated Zelenskyy’s call for Russia to uphold it. He also emphasized that attacks on energy infrastructure and civilians must cease immediately. PMO readout
The two positions are compatible.
Carney supports efforts to halt attacks on energy infrastructure while opposing a diesel agreement that Canada says would help finance Russia’s war.
An energy ceasefire concerns attacks on energy facilities. The diesel agreement concerns fuel supplies and the revenue Russia would receive.
Canada Highlights Its Energy Exports
The readout of Carney’s conversation with Trump also emphasized Canada’s role in supplying American energy markets.
The PMO said Canada would continue maximizing its oil and diesel exports to the United States, alongside continued support for Ukraine’s defence and its citizens.
Although the readout did not explicitly propose replacing Russian diesel with Canadian supplies, it highlighted Canadian energy exports in the same statement supporting the ceasefire. PMO readout
What Happens Next?
The two government readouts do not establish whether the energy ceasefire has taken effect or whether attacks have stopped.
They do establish Canada’s position: Russia must cease attacks on energy infrastructure and civilians, Canada will continue supporting Ukraine, and Ottawa opposes the diesel agreement because of the revenue it would provide Moscow.
Carney’s two conversations show Canada backing efforts to reduce harm while maintaining pressure on Russia over its war against Ukraine.