World · North America · 1 hr ago
Trump’s Russian diesel plan draws criticism from Republicans and Democrats
President Donald Trump said Russian leader Vladimir Putin agreed to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel to global energy markets, with another 500,000 tons promised in November.
Seven US senators, including four Republicans, say the plan could allow Russian diesel imports into the United States and conflicts with a 2022 law banning Russian energy imports.
Congress passed that ban after Russia invaded Ukraine, aiming to stop US money from supporting Russia’s war.
The senators say the administration did not consult Congress or provide the explanation required by law, and they want it to reverse course.
The White House says the deal is legal and could help Americans facing high fuel prices.
Analysts say the promised amount is unlikely to make much difference to global diesel prices.
Separately, Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick says he will seek a House vote on a bill to block all purchases of Russian oil.
Seven senators, including four Republicans, urged the Trump administration to reverse its plan to supply markets with Russian diesel.
They said allowing the imports conflicts with a 2022 law banning energy imports from Russia.
President Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin agreed to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately and another 500,000 tons in November.
Administration officials defended the plan as a way to help Americans facing high fuel prices.
Energy analysts said the promised supply was unlikely to significantly affect global diesel prices.
- Who
- President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are involved in the diesel plan. Seven senators, including four Republicans, criticized it.
- What
- Trump said Putin agreed to supply diesel to global energy markets. Senators called on the administration to reverse course.
- When
- Trump announced the agreement on Friday. Seven senators issued their statement on Sunday.
- Where
- The plan concerns Russian diesel supplied to global energy markets, including the United States.
- Why
- The administration said the plan could help Americans facing high fuel prices. Critics said it conflicts with a law intended to prevent US money from financing Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Critics of the Russian diesel plan
Trump administration supporters
Legality
Critics of the Russian diesel plan
The senators said allowing Russian diesel imports runs counter to the 2022 law banning energy imports from Russia.
Trump administration supporters
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration was acting within its legal authorities.
Policy
Critics of the Russian diesel plan
The senators said the United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians.
Trump administration supporters
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said the president was balancing competing concerns, including high diesel prices.
immediately reverse course
The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians.
this is good for the American people
deadly consequences
Congress passed a ban on energy imports from Russia.
Congress passed a bipartisan bill spearheaded by Lindsey Graham to impose heavy sanctions on countries importing Russian oil and gas.
Trump said on social media that Putin had agreed to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, with another 500,000 tons promised in November.
Seven senators issued a statement urging the administration to reverse course on the diesel plan.
- Immediate supply
- More than 300,000 tons of diesel
- Additional supply
- 500,000 tons promised in November
- Senators opposing plan
- Seven, including four Republicans
- Import ban
- Congress passed it in 2022
- House bill effort
- Brian Fitzpatrick said he would seek at least 218 signatures to bring his bill to the floor
Sources
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