A bipartisan group of senators has urged President Trump to withdraw a recent diesel agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling it a “betrayal of the people of Ukraine.”
Last week, President Trump announced on social media a deal with Putin, under which Russia would supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to American and global markets. Furthermore, an extra 500,000 tons would follow in November, with one million tons to be delivered “immediately thereafter.” Trump stated that Russia would eventually provide “3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” based on the condition of their refineries.
The announcement surprised legislators, who had passed a bill earlier this year instructing the President to impose severe tariffs on top importers of Russian oil. These sanctions are designed to target Russian officials, companies, and financial institutions that support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. The legislation honors the late GOP Senator Lindsey Graham, who facilitated Trump’s backing for the package.
This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our allies; it should be rescinded,” the senators wrote in a letter to President Trump. “The deal you struck with President Vladimir Putin on October 9th will not achieve just ends, nor will it benefit Americans.”
The senators agreed on the importance of reducing energy costs for Americans but argued that letting Russian diesel enter global markets would provide “limited to no relief to Americans.” They expressed concern that the deal “only provides Putin with more fuel to finance his war machine and enables Russia to continue its brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians.”
When questioned about the letter, the White House referred to Trump’s previous remarks about concerns over the diesel proceeds funding Russian weapon purchases. Trump commented, “Nobody’s telling me anything. That’s a diesel deal. Not for us. That’s being released into the world. That’s not being released to us. That’s a diesel deal that’s going to be released into the world for the world market, because the world market suffered with high prices.”
The letter was signed by Democrats Richard Blumenthal, Chris Coons, Dick Durbin, Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, and Sheldon Whitehouse. Republicans Alan Armstrong, Susan Collins, John Cornyn, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Thom Tillis also signed the letter.