US President Donald Trump is facing bipartisan backlash over his plan to import diesel from Russia to cut fuel prices.
Trump announced Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, with 500,000 tonnes more in November and larger volumes afterwards, potentially reaching three million tonnes monthly.
Seven senators – Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis, and Democrats Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden – said Sunday the deal contravenes the 2022 US ban on Russian energy imports meant to stop American dollars funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In a joint statement, they said the administration failed to consult Congress or provide justification as required by law, and urged it to immediately reverse course, warning it provides Putin with a financial lifeline.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the arrangement on Fox News, saying the government would use all legal authorities to lower prices. The deal reportedly involves a temporary suspension of sanctions on Russian diesel until April 7, while other Russian assets remain frozen.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also criticised the plan as a gift that helps fund attacks on Ukraine.
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