Bipartisan Senators Urge Trump to Scrap Russian Diesel Deal as U.S. Diesel Hits $6.53
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 11
Bipartisan Senators Urge Trump to Scrap Russian Diesel Deal as U.S. Diesel Hits $6.53
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 11
Summary
A bipartisan group of senators pressed President Trump to immediately cancel a Russian diesel deal, arguing it would hand Vladimir Putin a financial lifeline while Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
The push comes as Trump tries to lower fuel costs before the midterms, with the seven-month Iran war helping drive diesel prices to a record $6.53 a gallon in September, according to AAA.
Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican critic of the plan, said the deal may violate a 2022 law that bars lifting the Russian import ban unless Moscow fully withdraws from Ukraine.
The White House has pointed to Trump's claim of an "energy ceasefire" in the Russia-Ukraine war but has offered no details or evidence, while Zelenskyy warned easing sanctions without a durable de-escalation deal would signal weakness.