Bipartisan Senators Urge Trump to Scrap Russia Diesel Deal

A bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators has called on former President Donald Trump to cancel a recently announced diesel deal with Russia. The senators contend that the agreement, which would allow Russia to export diesel fuel, could provide President Vladimir Putin with funds to continue his war against Ukraine and represents a "gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies."

In a missive addressed to Trump, the senators argued that Treasury Department General License No. 135, which lifts sanctions on Russian diesel exports, would enable Putin to finance his war machine and continue attacks on Ukrainian civilians. They stated that permitting Russia to freely sell diesel on global markets undermines American security interests and betrays Ukraine.

The letter was signed by Republican Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, John Cornyn of Texas, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Alan Stuart Armstrong of Oklahoma. Democratic signatories include Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Chris Coons of Delaware, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island.

Senators Chris Coons, Mitch McConnell, and Susan Collins were pictured together at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.

The senators acknowledged the need to lower energy costs for American families and address global energy market disruptions. However, they asserted that allowing Russian diesel into global markets would offer minimal relief to Americans and have a negligible impact on fuel prices. Conversely, they warned that revenues generated from such sales would likely finance Russia's war efforts and strengthen its security cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea. They also raised concerns that the deal could endanger U.S. servicemembers operating overseas.

"Putin is a tyrant. Withdraw from this agreement, rescind General License No. 135, and execute the authorities provided under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Maintain our legacy – and the duty America holds – as leader of the free world," the senators urged.

Trump announced the deal on social media, stating that Russia agreed to supply hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel fuel to the American and global markets, with larger quantities to follow. He claimed this agreement, along with control of the Strait of Hormuz, would lead to a significant and rapid decrease in diesel prices for Americans and the world. Trump emphasized that lowering prices for Americans, particularly farmers, ranchers, and truckers, is his top priority. He also stated that the deal would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

The White House had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the senators' letter.