Senators Challenge Legality of Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal

Seven U.S. senators from both parties challenged President Donald Trump’s announcement of a Russian diesel supply arrangement, saying it conflicts with a 2022 law banning Russian energy imports and that the administration failed to consult Congress or provide a required explanation. Trump announced the arrangement on Friday, October 9, after a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said Russia would immediately supply 300,000 tons of diesel to the American and global marketplace. His announcement also described 500,000 tons during November and 1 million tons immediately afterward. The seven senators, four Republicans and three Democrats, said the decision to permit Russian diesel imports runs counter to the 2022 ban, which they said was intended to prevent U.S. payments from supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. They argued the law bars imports until Russia ends its aggression against Ukraine and ceases threats against NATO allies. The senators called on the administration to reverse course. The group includes Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, John Curtis and Thom Tillis, and Democrats Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden.