WASHINGTON—Facing high fuel prices, the United States announced this month a bold new approach to energy security: keeping its diesel reserve in Russia.

The President announced that Russia "will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel," followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1,000,000 tons after that. The Treasury Department issued a license the same day authorizing Russian diesel transactions through April 7, 2027.

Energy officials said the reserve's exact location is wherever Moscow says it is. "Historically, a strategic reserve meant something you controlled," said Wendell Haskett, a fellow at the Institute for Supply Arrangements. "This is more of a strategic reserve that controls you. It's very efficient. Someone else does all the storing."

Under the plan, the fuel is delivered "based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries," which the President described in his own announcement. Analysts noted that the reserve's main supplier is also the country whose refineries Ukraine has been trying to hit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the arrangement. "Gifts to Putin will not bring peace," he wrote.

Haskett said critics are missing the convenience. "With a traditional reserve you need tanks, pipelines and security," he said. "Now, if you need diesel, you just call."

At press time, officials confirmed the reserve was full, according to the reserve.