Politics · United States · 10 hrs ago
Tillis says Trump’s Russian diesel deal may violate US law
President Donald Trump said Russia would supply diesel to global markets, including the United States, and his administration temporarily eased sanctions to allow Russian diesel imports.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis said the deal may violate US law and put American lives at risk.
The change comes as diesel prices rise amid supply constraints linked to the Iran war and attacks on Russian refineries.
Diesel is used in farming, home heating and trucking, so high prices can affect households and businesses.
Trump said the Russian supplies would help bring prices down, but it is unclear how Russia will provide the amounts he announced.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the move, saying Russian fuel sales would help fund the war against Ukraine.
The decision has also drawn criticism from Democrats and comes ahead of November’s congressional elections.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis said President Donald Trump’s Russian diesel deal may violate US law.
Tillis also warned that the deal could put American lives at risk.
Trump said Russia would supply diesel to global markets and his administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel.
The move comes as diesel prices rise and the US approaches November midterm elections.
Democratic leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also condemned the deal.
- Who
- Senator Thom Tillis said the deal may be illegal. President Donald Trump announced it.
- What
- The US temporarily lifted sanctions to allow Russian-origin diesel imports, while Trump said Russia would supply diesel to global markets.
- When
- Trump announced the arrangement on Friday; Tillis criticised it on Sunday.
- Where
- The US and global markets. The US licence allows Russian-origin diesel imports into the country.
- Why
- Trump said the arrangement would help bring down diesel prices amid supply constraints and rising prices.
Trump administration and supporters of the deal
Critics of the deal, including Thom Tillis, Democrats and Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Legality
Trump administration and supporters of the deal
Trump’s administration issued a licence allowing Russian-origin diesel imports into the US.
Critics of the deal, including Thom Tillis, Democrats and Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Tillis said there was a legitimate case that Trump was not following the law.
Effect on prices and security
Trump administration and supporters of the deal
Trump said the deal would bring diesel prices down quickly.
Critics of the deal, including Thom Tillis, Democrats and Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Tillis warned it could put American lives at risk, while Schumer and Zelenskyy said it would benefit Russia and its war effort.
I do believe there’s a legitimate case for saying the president’s not following the law
based on the condition of their diesel refineries
This filthy deal will only aid and abet the same Putin who is helping the Iranians to target and try to kill American troops in the Middle East and who illegally and viciously invaded our ally Ukraine
is an investment in war that needs to end, not continue
Trump signed into law a Russian sanctions law championed by the late senator Lindsey Graham.
Trump announced that Russia had agreed to supply diesel and the US temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel.
Tillis said the deal may be illegal and could put American lives at risk.
- Tillis’s position
- The deal may violate US law and put American lives at risk.
- Trump’s announced supply
- More than 300,000 tonnes immediately, plus 500,000 tonnes in November.
- Further announced supply
- Trump said 1 million more tonnes would follow, then described 3 million tonnes as deliverable within a short period.
- US import licence
- Allows Russian-origin diesel imports through April 2027.
Sources
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