Six Democratic and Republican senators have called on President Trump to rescind a deal allowing U.S. purchases of Russian diesel fuel, citing it as a betrayal of allies and a threat to national security. The deal, announced by Trump, would permit the import of several hundred thousand tons of fuel from Russia, potentially funding Putin's war machine.
The letter, signed by 12 senators including top Republicans and Democrats, argues the deal is illegal and undermines efforts to pressure Russia to stop its aggression against Ukraine. The senators warn that allowing Russian diesel imports would damage U.S. security interests and erode credibility with allies.
The move comes despite a 2022 law that banned Russian energy imports until Russia ceases aggression against Ukraine. Critics say Trump's decision runs counter to that law and risks enabling Russia to continue its attacks on Ukrainian civilians. The senators also highlight the potential financial impact on Russia, with imports delivering billions to the Russian government.
The senators' letter follows a previous statement calling Trump's move illegal, emphasizing that Congress banned Russian energy imports to prevent American dollars from financing Putin's war against Ukraine.