GOP Lawmakers Rebuke Trump's Russia Diesel Deal Amid International Criticism
A bipartisan group of senators argues the agreement violates U.S. law and provides a financial lifeline to Russia, while allies express concern it bolsters Moscow's war effort.
President Donald Trump is facing significant backlash from within his own party and from international allies over his agreement to import diesel fuel from Russia.
Seven senators, including four Republicans and three Democrats, released a joint statement Sunday denouncing the deal, arguing it directly contradicts a 2022 law that banned Russian energy imports. The senators—GOP members Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, and John Curtis, along with Democrats Jeanne Shaheen, Ron Wyden, and Richard Blumenthal—asserted that the U.S. should not finance Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. They also criticized the administration for a lack of congressional consultation or explanation for the decision, urging Trump to "immediately reverse course."
"Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine," the statement read. "Congress was clear: The U.S. should not import oil from Russia until it ends its aggression against Ukraine and ceases threats against our NATO allies."
Trump announced Friday via social media that he had reached an agreement with Putin for Russia to "immediately" supply 300,000 tons of diesel to American and global markets. This move comes as the administration seeks to lower energy prices for Americans, which have surged following the Iran war initiated in February. Farmers, in particular, have told TIME that increased diesel prices are severely impacting their operations.
Senator Thom Tillis voiced concerns that the diesel deal could endanger American lives, particularly Special Operators and forward-deployed personnel. He reiterated his belief that the agreement may violate the 2022 law, which stipulated a ban on Russian oil imports unless specific criteria, including a full Russian withdrawal from Ukraine, were met. "I do believe there’s a legitimate case for saying the President’s not following the law," Tillis said.
Other Republican lawmakers echoed this sentiment. Senator Lisa Murkowski stated, "The President should be using those authorities instead of allowing Russia to export diesel, rake in revenues, and continue its catastrophic war in Ukraine." Senator Susan Collins, a co-sponsor of the Russian sanctions law Trump recently signed, added, "I oppose President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on the purchase of diesel from Russia... but is now not following."
Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania announced Saturday his intention to introduce bipartisan legislation, dubbed the "Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act," to block all purchases of Russian oil. Representative Don Bacon has already agreed to co-sponsor the bill.
However, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the agreement, asserting it would be implemented through existing legal channels to reduce prices and that any congressional claims to the contrary were incorrect. Senator John Barrasso also supported the deal, stating that the President "has to make tough decisions."
Trump claimed Friday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an "energy cease-fire." However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian strikes overnight, including on energy facilities, had violated any such agreement. Zelensky described Trump's announcement as a "gift to Putin" and an "obvious weakness" that would allow Russia to "kill more, wage war for longer."
International allies have also expressed strong disapproval. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the U.S. agreement "regrettable," warning that "energy revenues are central to the Russian war chest." Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal termed it a "big miscalculation," stating it runs counter to Western efforts to limit energy flows to Russia. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, noted that "suspending sanctions on Russian diesel provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war." She announced Monday that European foreign ministers had adopted nearly 1,600 new sanctions targeting Russia's military-industrial complex.
The United Kingdom has also opposed the deal. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated Britain does not support the agreement and intends to "strengthen sanctions" against Russia. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed concerns that the agreement is in "direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada, and our allies to create peace and stability in Europe."