A group of twelve U.S. senators, including six Republicans, urged President Donald Trump to revoke his agreement with Russia to purchase diesel oil. They argued that the deal would assist Moscow in funding its conflict in Ukraine and would not serve the interests of Americans.
The senators’ plea, expressed in a letter, reflected a growing wave of disapproval from both Republicans and Democrats towards the diesel pact. This marks a departure from the previous strong support among Republicans for Trump’s foreign policy decisions, just weeks ahead of the crucial November 3 midterm elections that will impact the party’s control of Congress.
In the letter, the lawmakers highlighted that allowing Russia to freely sell diesel in global markets harms American security interests and undermines the Ukrainian people’s defense against Russian aggression. They described the deal as a favor to a foe and a betrayal of allies, emphasizing the need for its cancellation.
The bipartisan letter, dated Tuesday, was signed by prominent Republicans such as Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, Alan Armstrong, Lisa Murkowski, and John Cornyn, along with six Democrats. Additionally, Collins, Murkowski, and Tillis had previously joined Democrats in a joint statement urging Trump to reverse the agreement, citing U.S. laws prohibiting energy imports from Russia until it ceases aggression against Ukraine.
When questioned about the diesel deal earlier that day, President Trump evaded a query regarding whether Russia could potentially use the revenue to procure more weaponry. Democratic senators, including Richard Blumenthal, Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Durbin, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jack Reed, and Chris Coons, also endorsed the letter.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022, leading to a full-scale invasion and an ongoing state of war between the two nations.
