Bipartisan US Senators Urge Trump to Reverse Russian Diesel Deal, Citing Violation of US Law

Washington: A bipartisan group of United States senators on Sunday called on President Donald Trump to “reverse course” on his diesel supply agreement with Russia. They argued that the deal contravenes US law, which bars Russian energy imports until Moscow ends its aggression against Ukraine.

“Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine,” the seven senators said in a joint statement. The group comprises four of President Trump’s fellow Republicans and three Democrats.

The senators also said the administration had neither consulted Congress nor provided any explanation for its decision, both of which are required by law. “The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians. The Administration must immediately reverse course,” the statement said.

The statement was signed by Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Curtis of Utah, along with Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ron Wyden of Oregon.

It is the latest in a series of bipartisan criticisms of the deal. This marks a departure from the near-unanimous Republican backing for President Trump’s foreign policy, just weeks before the November 3 midterm elections that will decide whether Republicans keep control of Congress.

Earlier on Sunday, Senator Tillis said the diesel deal might be illegal and could put American lives at risk. “I do believe there’s a legitimate case for saying the president’s not following the law,” Tillis, who will retire from the Senate in January, told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

On Friday, President Trump announced that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets. His administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel, which had been designed to cut off Moscow’s revenue for its war in Ukraine.

Diesel, which is essential for agriculture, home heating and trucking, is trading near record prices. This could damage Republican prospects in next month’s congressional elections. Analysts have said the agreement with Moscow is unlikely to bring a lasting reduction in fuel prices.

Administration Defends the Agreement

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News on Sunday that the administration would proceed with the deal under its existing legal authority. He said the agreement would benefit the American people and lower prices.

“We’re going to do it with all the legal authorities we have. So, you know, anyone in Congress who says whether it’s an old bill or the current Lindsey Graham bill (that) prohibits us from doing it is wrong,” Bessent said on “Fox & Friends.”

Last month, President Trump signed into law a sweeping Russia sanctions bill, the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.” It was named in honour of the South Carolina Republican and longtime Russia hawk, who died in July.

Other Republicans have also criticised the diesel plan. On Friday, retiring Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska wrote on X that “propping up Putin’s war economy is morally wrong as he uses that money to bomb cities.” Former Vice President Mike Pence described the lifting of sanctions on Russian oil as a “betrayal” of Senator Graham’s legacy and urged the President to “rescind” the decision.

As President Trump’s approval ratings have fallen sharply, congressional Republicans have increasingly distanced themselves from him on issues ranging from the conflict with Iran to the trade dispute with Canada.

The Senate’s second-ranking Republican, John Barrasso of Wyoming, however, defended the agreement. Speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” he said the President was focused on lowering costs. “The president is balancing and has to make tough decisions,” Barrasso said.

Canada Voices Opposition

In a call on Sunday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the diesel deal “is in direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada, and our allies to create peace and stability in Europe,” according to a statement from his office.

Energy Ceasefire Claim

Also on Sunday, President Trump said in a social media post that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an “energy ceasefire” taking effect immediately, though he gave no further details.

President Zelenskiy said he was still awaiting the details of the arrangement. “Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well,” he wrote on Telegram.

Moscow did not comment on the announcement, which came after days of US pressure on Ukraine to stop its strikes on Russian oil refineries.