Seven US senators say Trump’s planned Russian diesel imports are illegal

President Donald Trump has said Russia will provide more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel for the United States and the world market, with more deliveries to follow.

Seven US senators from both parties say importing the fuel would violate a 2022 law that banned Russian energy imports to avoid funding Russia’s war against Ukraine.

They also say the administration did not consult Congress or provide the explanation required by law.

The senators want the government to reverse its decision, arguing that the United States should not help Russia while it attacks Ukrainian civilians.

Trump faces pressure at home because diesel prices have reached new highs after the Iran war, ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Experts say Russian supplies are unlikely to bring prices down much.

Separately, Republican lawmaker Brian Fitzpatrick has announced a bipartisan proposal to ban purchases of Russian oil.

Congress has also given the president broad powers to impose sanctions on Russia, but Trump has not used them so far.