US senators declare Trump's Russian diesel deal illegal

Seven US senators from various political backgrounds have expressed concerns over President Donald Trump's agreement to permit Russian diesel exports, despite a ban imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This decision, announced by Trump on Friday, faced immediate criticism from Ukraine, the European Union, and some American lawmakers.

The senators' statement, co-signed by Democratic senators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, and Ron Wyden, as well as Republican senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, John Curtis, and Thom Tillis, emphasized that Congress had explicitly prohibited Russian energy imports in 2022, citing the intent to prevent financial support for Putin's aggression against Ukraine and its threats against NATO allies.

The senators argued that Trump's decision to permit Russian diesel imports directly violates this law and criticized the Administration for failing to consult with Congress or provide justification for the decision as required by statute. They condemned the move, which they viewed as providing "Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians," and urged the Trump administration to immediately revoke the decision.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the deal, stating that they would proceed with all legal authorities available, according to AFP.