Trump’s Russian diesel deal draws bipartisan criticism in Congress

Trump says he agreed with Vladimir Putin to bring Russian diesel into the U.S. He says the fuel could help lower prices for Americans before the midterm elections.

Republicans and Democrats have criticized the deal, saying it could provide money to Russia as it continues its war against Ukraine.

Energy experts say Russian diesel is unlikely to bring down U.S. prices, which have risen largely because of disruptions linked to the U.S. war against Iran.

A 2022 U.S. law bans Russian energy imports unless conditions are met, including a Russian withdrawal from Ukraine and approval by Ukraine’s government.

Six senators from both parties urged Trump to reverse the deal, but he has defended it and blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for high diesel costs.

New Russian sanctions provisions are due to take effect on October 18, while it remains unclear whether the diesel deal will increase supply or lower prices.