The amount is small compared with U.S. demand, but the deal aligns the U.S. with Russia and against Ukraine’s efforts to bomb Russian refineries.

The president has acknowledged sometimes using public statements about negotiations and military planning to keep adversaries off guard.

The proposed potash purchases would expand trade with a country that helped Moscow launch its invasion of Ukraine.

At the United Nations on Tuesday and in meetings with China's Xi Jinping on Thursday, the president will largely stand alone.