Senators call on Trump to scrap diesel deal, saying U.S. ‘should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline’ while Russia kills Ukrainian civilians

A bipartisan group of six senators urged President Donald Trump to halt a plan to purchase diesel from Russia, asserting that the U.S. "should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline" while Russia engages in the killing of Ukrainian civilians. Trump's decision to strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply over 1.3 million tons of diesel to the American and global market was announced via social media, sparking outrage among lawmakers.

The senators, who include four Republicans and two Democrats, contended that the administration neglected to consult Congress or provide any justification for the decision, as mandated by statute. Tillis of North Carolina stated that there is a valid argument suggesting the president is not complying with the law if the administration proceeds with the diesel purchase.

The Republican senators signed onto the statement are Collins of Maine, Murkowski of Alaska, Tillis of North Carolina, and John Curtis of Utah, while the Democratic senators are Shaheen of New Hampshire and Blumenthal of Connecticut. The lawmakers emphasized that Congress had previously banned Russia energy imports in 2022 to prevent the U.S. from financing the war in Ukraine.