US Republicans, Democrats want Trump to reverse course on Russia diesel
USO•Seven US senators from both parties urged President Donald Trump to reverse his diesel supply deal with Russia, saying it violates a 2022 law barring Russian energy imports. The administration said it would proceed using existing legal authority as diesel prices near record highs.
1. Senators challenge deal
Four Republican senators and three Democrats called on Trump to reverse the deal, saying it runs counter to a 2022 law barring Russian energy imports until Russia ends its aggression against Ukraine. They also said the administration had not consulted Congress or submitted an explanation as required by law. Republican Thom Tillis said there may be a legitimate case that Trump is not following the law and that the deal could put American lives at risk.
2. Administration defends pact
Trump said Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets, and his administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would use existing legal authority and that the deal would bring prices down. Diesel, used in agriculture, home heating and trucking, is near record highs; analysts have said the agreement is unlikely to lead to sustained lower fuel prices.
3. Criticism beyond Congress
Republican Senator John Barrasso defended the pact, saying Trump was focused on bringing costs down. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the deal opposed efforts by Ukraine, Canada and allies to create peace and stability in Europe. Trump also claimed Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an immediate energy ceasefire, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he was waiting for details.
