Trump Faces Backlash Over Russian Diesel Deal

US President Donald Trump is facing bipartisan criticism over plans to import diesel from Russia, with lawmakers warning the deal could violate US sanctions and provide financial support to Moscow amid its war against Ukraine.

Lawmakers Challenge Diesel Agreement

Trump announced on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel for American and global markets, followed by additional shipments in the coming months. Under the proposed arrangement, Russia would supply another 500,000 tonnes in November, followed by one million tonnes and a further three million tonnes within a short period, depending on the condition of its refineries. The announcement has sparked criticism because Trump signed legislation authorising fresh sanctions and tariffs against countries importing Russian oil and gas only weeks earlier.

Senators Urge Trump to Reverse Course

Seven US senators, including four Republicans and three Democrats, accused the administration of violating US law and urged Trump to abandon the agreement. The lawmakers argued that American purchases of Russian energy could provide Moscow with revenue to continue its war against Ukraine. They noted that Congress had banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent US money from supporting the Kremlin’s military campaign. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also criticised the deal, describing it as a gift to Putin and an investment in a war that should be brought to an end.

White House Defends Plan

Trump defended the agreement, saying lower fuel prices for Americans, particularly farmers, ranchers and truck drivers, were his top priority. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that the arrangement would operate through existing legal mechanisms available to the United States to help reduce prices. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie also supported lifting sanctions on petroleum products more broadly, despite previous disagreements with Trump.

Fuel Prices Drive Political Pressure

The deal comes as global energy prices rise amid the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted crude oil supplies and increased costs for consumers. The pressure has been particularly severe in American agricultural states, where diesel is essential for farm machinery and transporting goods. According to the American Automobile Association, the average US diesel price stood at $6.28 per gallon, below a record high of $6.53 recorded at the end of September.

Questions Over Supply and Impact

Analysts have questioned whether Russia can deliver the promised volumes and whether the shipments would significantly reduce prices for American consumers. The United States consumes approximately 3.6 million barrels of diesel daily, making the proposed imports only a portion of national demand. Opposition has also emerged internationally, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting urging allies to maintain pressure on Russia over the war. Meanwhile, Trump announced on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an “energy ceasefire”, although he provided few details. Zelensky welcomed the proposal, but Moscow had not publicly responded at the time of the report.