United States President, Donald Trump, is facing bipartisan pressure from American lawmakers to reverse his administration’s diesel supply deal with Russia, with seven senators warning that the agreement violates US law prohibiting Russian energy imports over Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
Four Republican senators and three Democrats issued a joint statement on Sunday, arguing that the deal contradicts legislation enacted in 2022 to prevent American funds from supporting Russia’s military campaign.
“Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine,” the senators said.
They also accused the Trump administration of failing to consult Congress or provide the explanation required by law before proceeding with the agreement.
“The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians.
The Administration must immediately reverse course,” the statement added.
The lawmakers behind the statement are Republican Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis, alongside Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden.
Tillis had earlier expressed concerns that the agreement could be illegal and endanger American lives.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, the retiring senator said, “I do believe there’s a legitimate case for saying the president’s not following the law.”
Trump announced on Friday that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets.
His administration subsequently temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel, which had been imposed to restrict Moscow’s revenue amid the war in Ukraine.
The decision has drawn criticism from several Republicans as the country approaches the November 3 midterm elections, which will determine whether Trump’s party retains control of Congress.
Diesel prices are near record highs, raising concerns about the potential impact on agriculture, home heating and road transportation costs.
US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent defended the agreement on Sunday, insisting that the administration would implement it using its existing legal powers.
“We’re going to do it with all the legal authorities we have. So, you know, anyone in Congress who says whether it’s an old bill or the current Lindsey Graham bill (that) prohibits us from doing it is wrong,” Bessent said during an appearance on Fox News’ Fox & Friends.
Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law last month.
The legislation was named after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime critic of Russia who died in July.
Other prominent Republicans have also opposed the diesel agreement.
Representative Don Bacon, who is retiring, described the decision as morally wrong in a post on X on Friday, saying, “propping up Putin’s war economy is morally wrong as he uses that money to bomb cities.”
Former US Vice President Mike Pence also condemned Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian oil, calling it a “betrayal” of Graham’s legacy and urging the president to reverse the move.
However, Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso defended the agreement, arguing that Trump was seeking to ease the financial pressure on Americans caused by rising fuel costs.
“The president is balancing and has to make tough decisions,” Barrasso said during an appearance on CBS’ Face the Nation.
The agreement has also attracted criticism from Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office said he expressed opposition to the deal during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday.
According to the Canadian leader’s office, the agreement “is in direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada, and our allies to create peace and stability in Europe.”
Separately, Trump claimed in a social media post on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an immediate “energy ceasefire”, but did not provide further details.
Zelenskyy said he was awaiting clarification on the proposed arrangement, adding that Ukraine supported the ceasefire but expected Russia to honour it.
“Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well,” he said on Telegram.
Moscow had yet to comment on Trump’s announcement, which followed days of pressure from Washington on Kyiv to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries.
