Bipartisan Senators Urge Trump to Drop Russian Diesel Deal
A bipartisan group of six senators urged the Trump administration to reverse its plan to buy diesel from Russia, saying it would provide Putin with a financial lifeline. Trump announced the deal after a call with Putin, saying Russia would supply hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel and more later. The senators said the administration did not consult Congress or provide the legally required justification.
The six signers were Republican Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis, plus Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Richard Blumenthal. They said the administration did not seek congressional input or provide the justification required by law. Trump had announced the arrangement online Friday after speaking with Putin.
The plan would send more than 300,000 tons of Russian diesel immediately, then 500,000 tons in November, 1 million tons soon after, and 3 million more shortly thereafter. Lawmakers noted that Congress barred Russian energy purchases in 2022 and recently mandated levies on leading purchasers of Russian oil and gas, with narrow exceptions.
If carried out, the diesel purchase could affect U.S. fuel consumers by potentially easing prices, while possibly giving Russia revenue amid its war in Ukraine. Lawmakers, energy markets, and Ukrainian civilians may feel consequences as the dispute tests congressional oversight and sanctions enforcement. The episode could also influence how voters assess Trump's handling of energy costs and Russia policy.