Twelve senators from both parties urged Trump to cancel the diesel deal with Russia. He defends the agreement.
WASHINGTON – Twelve senators, six Republicans and six Democrats, urged President Donald Trump in a letter Tuesday to rescind a sanctions waiver that allows Russian diesel exports, calling the arrangement a gift to an adversary and a betrayal of U.S. allies. The senators wrote that the deal gives Russian President Vladimir Putin money to fund his war machine and enables continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians. They also said allowing Russian diesel into global markets would offer limited to no relief to American consumers.
Trump announced the arrangement Friday on Truth Social after a call with Putin, saying Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel and millions more later. The Treasury Department temporarily waived sanctions on Russia’s energy sector to allow the diesel to reach global markets. According to CNBC, the arrangement allows up to 4.8 million metric tons, or nearly 36 million barrels, through mid-April. Trump has said it will help bring down record-high diesel prices, which have put pressure on Republicans as the midterm elections approach.
The senators said the deal contradicts the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a bipartisan measure Trump signed just under a month ago that gives him the ability to strengthen sanctions on Russia. Seven members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee made a similar argument last week and said the administration had not consulted Congress or provided the explanation required by law. Roll Call reported that senators are preparing bipartisan legislation to block purchases of Russian oil.
Trump defended the deal Monday, calling it the right choice and noting that Europe has bought Russian energy. He said Republican critics cannot really be serious. The White House referred questions about the senators’ letter back to Trump’s comments. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said the arrangement tarnishes the efforts of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to pass the sanctions law, while House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., a supporter of Ukraine, has stood by Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told ABC News on Sunday that the deal shows weakness. Trump has said Ukraine should get a new president, a step Zelenskyy has shown no intention of taking. Zelenskyy also said Ukraine would stop its strikes on Russian diesel if Russia pauses its attacks. Trump has insisted an energy ceasefire between the two countries is in place, while Zelenskyy has said Moscow continues to hit Ukrainian energy sites.
This report draws on information from CBS News, CNBC, NPR, Roll Call, ABC News, PBS NewsHour, The Hill and the Washington Times.