Trump defends Russia diesel deal amid bipartisan criticism

President Donald Trump defended his decision to arrange a diesel oil agreement with Russia, amid bipartisan criticism that the deal may violate US law banning Russian energy imports until Moscow ceases its military actions against Ukraine. Trump claimed the arrangement is aimed at reducing high fuel prices, which are endangering Republican prospects in the November 3 midterm elections.

He attributed the price surge to military strikes by Ukraine on Russian oil facilities, rather than the ongoing conflict in Iran. On social media, Trump declared, "I made the right choice for the American People — ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST!"

Five days earlier, Trump announced Russia's agreement to supply diesel to global markets. His administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel, which were imposed to diminish Moscow's revenue from its war in Ukraine. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy debated the weekend regarding Kiev's attacks on Russian refineries. Trump expressed a desire for a new Ukrainian leader, while Zelenskiy pledged elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire.

A bipartisan coalition of US senators on Sunday called on Trump to revoke the diesel supply deal with Russia. They argued that the arrangement may breach a 2022 law designed to bolster Ukraine against Russian forces. Republican Senator Jerry Moran tweeted that the US should "tighten sanctions further, not undercut them by allowing the import of Russian diesel and risking erasing our leverage, damaging our credibility with allies, and emboldening our adversaries."