Trump defends Russia diesel deal as lawmakers from both parties complain
USO•Trump defended a deal to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, saying it would help American farmers and ranchers. Senators from both parties urged him to reverse course, while US diesel prices have risen more than 60% since the war in Iran began.
1. Trump defends deal
Trump said the deal to allow Russian diesel exports would help American farmers and ranchers and bring down high fuel prices. The administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel after Russia agreed to supply diesel to global markets.
2. Senators object
A group of Republican and Democratic senators urged Trump to reverse course, saying the deal may violate a 2022 law supporting Ukraine. Republican Senator Jerry Moran said allowing Russian diesel imports could weaken sanctions and damage US credibility with allies.
3. Fuel prices and ceasefire
US diesel prices have risen more than 60% since Trump launched the war against Iran seven months ago. Trump said Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt attacks on each other's energy infrastructure, but whether the agreement would hold was unclear; Ukraine said Russia had hit six Ukrainian energy facilities on Monday.
