Trump defends Russia diesel deal as lawmakers from both parties complain
USO•Trump defended a diesel supply deal with Russia after senators from both parties said it may violate a 2022 law supporting Ukraine. His administration temporarily lifted U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel as he cited high fuel prices.
1. Sanctions and diesel deal
Trump said Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets, and his administration temporarily lifted U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel. Senators from both parties urged him to reverse course, saying the deal may violate a 2022 law designed to support Ukraine.
2. Dispute over fuel prices
Trump said he is taking steps to bring down high fuel prices, which he said are jeopardizing Republican chances in the November 3 midterm elections. He blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries as a leading factor in rising prices. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said refinery attacks were not the leading cause and cited the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz.
3. Energy infrastructure pause
Trump declared that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt attacks on each other's energy infrastructure, though whether the deal would hold was unclear. Zelenskiy said he would hold elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire.
