Seven Republican and Democratic US senators have urged President Donald Trump to reverse his administration’s diesel supply deal with Russia, arguing that it violates a 2022 law prohibiting Russian energy imports amid Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the four Republicans and three Democrats said Congress had explicitly banned Russian energy imports to prevent American money from financing President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine.
The lawmakers also accused the administration of failing to consult Congress or provide the explanation required by law before proceeding with the deal.
“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 senators said.
The statement was signed by Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Curtis of Utah, alongside Democrats Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ron Wyden of Oregon.
The controversy has drawn bipartisan criticism weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, which will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress.
Senator Tillis, who is retiring in January, said the agreement could be illegal and potentially put American lives at risk.
“I do believe there’s a legitimate case for saying the president’s not following the law,” Tillis told NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday.
Trump said on Friday that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets, adding that his administration had temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel intended to deprive Moscow of revenue for its war against Ukraine.
The decision has raised concerns among lawmakers who argue that easing restrictions could provide Russia with additional revenue while the war continues.
Diesel prices, which affect agriculture, home heating and road transport, are near record highs, creating economic pressure that could become an issue in next month’s elections. However, analysts have questioned whether the agreement would deliver sustained price reductions.
Other Republicans have also criticised the administration’s decision. Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, who is retiring, wrote on X on Friday that “propping up Putin’s war economy is morally wrong as he uses that money to bomb cities.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence also described the decision to lift sanctions as a “betrayal” of the legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham and called for the administration to reverse course.
Trump has also signed legislation imposing sanctions related to Russia and Iran, although the specific law and its provisions should be independently verified before publication.
Defending the agreement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would proceed under its existing legal authority.
“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 prohibits us from doing it is wrong,” Bessent told Fox News on Sunday.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming also defended the deal during an appearance on CBS’ Face the Nation, saying Trump was focused on reducing costs for Americans.
“The president is balancing and has to make tough decisions,” Barrasso said.
The agreement has also attracted criticism from Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a telephone conversation on Sunday that the deal was “in direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada, and our allies to create peace and stability in Europe,” according to Carney’s office.
Meanwhile, Trump claimed in a social media post on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to what he called an “energy ceasefire” taking effect immediately, but he did not provide details.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was awaiting further information about the proposed arrangement.
“Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
Moscow had not publicly responded to Trump’s announcement at the time of the report. The claim followed days of US pressure on Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries.