US senators urge end to diesel fuel deal with Russia

Twelve members of the US Senate, including six Republicans, on Tuesday called for the cancellation of the diesel fuel agreement between the United States and Russia. In a joint letter, the lawmakers said the deal helps Moscow finance its war in Ukraine and offers no benefit to Americans.

The letter comes amid mounting criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, signaling a shift from the near-unanimous support previously shown by President Donald Trump's party on foreign policy, just weeks ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

Bipartisan criticism

The senators argued that allowing Russia to freely sell diesel on global markets harms US security interests and betrays the people of Ukraine as Vladimir Putin’s war continues. They described the deal as “a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our allies,” and demanded its immediate cancellation.

The letter was signed by Republicans Mitch McConnell, Tom Tillis, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, John Cornyn, and an unnamed senator listed as Alan Armstrong in the Arabic source, as well as Democrats Richard Blumenthal, Chris Coons, Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Durbin, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Jack Reed.

Legal and political disputes

The diesel deal, announced late last week, has sparked legal and political controversy, as US laws passed in 2022 ban the import of most Russian energy products. It remains unclear how this ban would be circumvented.

In a related development, on Sunday, Collins, Murkowski, and Tillis joined Democrats in a joint statement urging Trump to withdraw from the agreement, arguing it violates US legislation unless Russia ends its war on Ukraine.

Impact on relations with Europe and Ukraine

European officials have warned that the deal would strengthen Moscow’s military capabilities and called on Washington to impose further sanctions instead of signing new agreements. The deal has also strained relations with European allies and increased pressure on the US administration.

According to Bloomberg, economists have suggested that the stated goal of lowering fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections may not be achieved, amid growing concerns over domestic and international political backlash.

Earlier on Tuesday, President Trump declined to answer a question about whether Russia could use diesel revenues to purchase additional munitions, adding further uncertainty to the future of the agreement.