A bipartisan group of US senators has questioned the legality of President Donald Trump's proposed Russia diesel deal, arguing that allowing Russian diesel imports into the United States runs counter to a 2022 law restricting Russian energy purchases. The lawmakers said the move could undermine Washington's efforts to prevent American money from supporting Russia's war against Ukraine.
The criticism followed Trump's announcement on Friday that he had reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrange diesel supplies after a telephone conversation. Trump said Russia would immediately supply around 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States and the global market.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the senators argued that the proposed arrangement conflicts with existing legislation and called on the administration to reverse its decision.
Bipartisan Lawmakers Challenge Trump's Decision
The statement was backed by Democratic senators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden, alongside Republican senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis.
The lawmakers said Congress had explicitly prohibited Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent US funds from financing Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine. They argued that allowing the proposed diesel imports would directly contradict that restriction.
The senators also alleged that the Trump administration had failed to consult Congress or provide the explanation required under the relevant statute to justify its decision.
Their intervention highlights divisions in Washington over how to balance energy-market concerns with the economic pressure imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act Adds to Dispute
The lawmakers also referred to the recently passed Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which they said gives the president authority to impose extensive sanctions on Moscow and tariffs of 100% on major trading partners involved in Russian oil and gas purchases.
According to the senators, the legislation targets Russia's energy revenues and gives Washington additional tools to pressure countries continuing significant trade with Moscow. They cited India and China among the major trading partners that could face tariffs under the law.
The senators argued that the United States should not provide Russia with additional financial support while Russian forces continue to kill Ukrainian civilians. They called for the proposed diesel arrangement to be withdrawn.
Dispute Puts US Russia Policy Under Scrutiny
The disagreement has brought renewed attention to the relationship between US energy policy, sanctions enforcement and the administration's efforts to address fuel prices.
Trump has presented the proposed diesel arrangement as a way to increase supplies to the market. However, the bipartisan criticism centres on whether the plan is compatible with existing legal restrictions and the broader objective of limiting Russian revenue.
The senators' statement represents a political and legal challenge to the proposal, but the article does not establish whether a court has ruled on its legality. The administration's response to the lawmakers' objections will be important in determining how the dispute develops.
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