US Senators Press Trump to Cancel Diesel Agreement with Putin
A bipartisan group of 12 US senators signed a letter asking President Donald Trump to cancel his Oct. 9 diesel arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The senators described the deal as a gift to Moscow and a betrayal of Ukraine. They also urged enforcement of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
The letter was led by Senator Richard Blumenthal and carried signatures from six senators in each party. It focused on Treasury General License No. 135, issued after the Oct. 9 arrangement, which removed sanctions on Russian diesel exports. The lawmakers argued the move would give Moscow more resources for its war and enable continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
They also noted that although the Iran conflict has raised US fuel costs, Russian diesel would bring little or no relief to Americans. Instead, they warned, the revenue could strengthen Moscow’s ties with China, Iran and North Korea and put US personnel in Operation Epic Fury at greater risk. They cited the Lindsey O. Graham law Trump signed three weeks earlier.
The dispute may keep public attention on US energy policy and sanctions enforcement. American drivers and fuel markets could be affected if the diesel arrangement remains or is reversed, though the letter argues relief would be minimal. Ukrainian civilians and US personnel may see consequences depending on whether revenue continues to support Moscow’s war effort. The debate could also shape how Congress and the White House handle future Russia sanctions.