US Senators Challenge Trump’s Russia Diesel Deal, Cite 2022 Import Ban
A bipartisan group of US senators has challenged Donald Trump’s proposed Russian diesel imports, arguing that the move violates a 2022 law and weakens pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
A bipartisan group of US senators has accused President Donald Trump of violating a 2022 law by allowing Russian diesel imports, calling on his administration to reverse the decision.
The criticism followed Trump’s announcement that Russia would supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Democratic senators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden joined Republican senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis in questioning the move’s legality.
The lawmakers argued that Congress had explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent US funds from supporting Moscow’s war against Ukraine. They said the administration had neither consulted Congress nor submitted the explanation required under the law.
The senators also highlighted recently passed legislation, the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which gives the president powers to impose sanctions on Moscow and tariffs on major trading partners of Russian oil and gas.
They warned that allowing Russian diesel into the US market could undermine efforts to restrict Russia’s energy revenues while the war continues.
The dispute marks a rare bipartisan challenge to Trump’s approach to Russian energy supplies. The senators urged the administration to withdraw the plan, arguing that continued purchases would conflict with Washington’s stated efforts to hold Moscow accountable for its actions in Ukraine.
