EU decries 'concerning' Trump-Putin deal, insists sanctions on Russia will continue

Seven US senators, of various political affiliations, have raised concerns over President Donald Trump's decision to permit Russian diesel exports, despite a longstanding US ban imposed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. President Trump announced the agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, which allows for a substantial release of diesel in exchange for an easing of US sanctions. This deal has been met with strong opposition from Ukraine, the European Union, and several American lawmakers.

Congress explicitly prohibited Russian energy imports in 2022, in an effort to deter financial support for Putin's aggressive campaign against Ukraine and its NATO allies. The senators' joint statement, signed by Democratic senators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, and Ron Wyden, and four Republican senators - Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, John Curtis, and Thom Tillis - emphasized that the US should not import oil from Russia until Moscow ceases its aggression and stops threatening its allies.

The senators assert that President Trump's decision to allow Russian diesel imports directly contradicts this law. Furthermore, they noted that the administration has neglected to consult with Congress or provide any justification for the decision, as mandated by statute. The senators strongly condemned the move, which they view as providing a financial lifeline to Putin while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians, and urged the Trump administration to immediately reverse its course.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, defended the deal in an interview with Fox News, stating that they will proceed with all the legal authorities at their disposal.