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A bipartisan group of US senators has called on President Donald Trump to reverse a plan to import Russian diesel, arguing it violates sanctions laws. The deal aims to lower fuel prices ahead of midterms.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
US President Donald Trump is facing bipartisan opposition to a plan to import diesel from Russia, a move intended to lower domestic fuel prices amid rising costs linked to the war in Iran. The announcement has drawn criticism from lawmakers who argue the deal violates US laws banning Russian energy imports.
On Friday, Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately "to the American and global marketplace." According to Trump, Russia would supply an additional 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes thereafter. A further three million tonnes would be delivered "within a short period" depending on the condition of Russian refineries, which have been targeted by Ukrainian attacks.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the figures to the state-owned news agency Tass, stating that export volumes could eventually reach three million tonnes per month. Trump stated on Truth Social that "Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority."
The plan has sparked criticism from members of both the Republican and Democratic parties. Sources report conflicting numbers regarding the size of the opposing group. The BBC and Times of India report that seven senators—four Republicans and three Democrats—issued a joint statement. However, an Associated Press report states that six senators—four Republicans and two Democrats—signed the statement. The discrepancy centers on whether Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) was included in the signatories.
The senators who signed the statement, including Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, and John Curtis, and Democrats Jeanne Shaheen and Richard Blumenthal, urged Trump to "reverse course." They argued that Congress "explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin's brutal war against Ukraine."
Senator Thom Tillis stated on NBC’s "Meet the Press" that there is a "legitimate case for saying the president is not following the law." The lawmakers noted that the administration failed to consult with Congress or submit an explanation as required by statute.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the agreement on Fox News, stating it would work through "existing legal channels" to help bring prices down. He rejected claims that the deal would violate US law. The US Treasury is reportedly suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7 as part of the deal, while other Russian assets remain frozen.
Global fuel prices have risen since the US-Israel war with Iran began in late February, disrupting crude oil supplies. The average diesel price in the US is currently $6.28 a gallon, down from a record high of $6.53 in late September, according to the AAA. The US consumes approximately 3.6 million barrels of diesel a day, meaning the initial 300,000-tonne shipment represents a fraction of daily demand.
Analysts have questioned whether Russia can deliver the promised volumes and if the shipments will significantly ease prices. Goldman Sachs said it does not see significant impacts on global diesel prices from the announced releases.
International leaders have also criticized the move. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal a "gift to Putin" and "an investment in a war that must be ended." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also criticized the plan, with Streeting stating that allies should focus on ramping up pressure on Russia.
The controversy highlights the tension between domestic economic pressures and foreign policy goals. With midterm elections approaching, the Trump administration is seeking to reduce fuel costs, which have become a key issue for voters. However, the deal risks undermining the bipartisan legislative effort to isolate Russia economically over its invasion of Ukraine. The legal challenges and political fallout could influence future US sanctions policy and relations with European allies.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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