Trump’s Russian diesel decision runs counter to federal law, bipartisan senators say

Seven U.S. senators from both major political parties have expressed outrage over President Donald Trump's recent decision to allow Russian diesel fuel imports into the United States. In a press release dated October 11, Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Ron Wyden, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, and John Curtis joined forces to denounce the administration's move.

The lawmakers argue that the decision contravenes federal law enacted in 2022, which aims to prevent U.S. funds from financing Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. The senators maintain that Russia should not receive financial assistance from the United States while it continues to perpetrate violence against Ukraine and threatens NATO allies.

They further insist that the administration failed to consult with Congress or furnish them with an explanation of its decision, as mandated by the relevant legislation. The senators assert that allowing Putin to receive financial aid will only serve to bolster his position while Ukrainian civilians suffer further casualties. Trump's decision to permit Russian diesel imports came in the wake of a phone call between him and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on October 9.

During the call, Trump agreed to allow the export of between 300,000 and 3 million metric tons of Russian diesel fuel to both U.S. and global markets, with the aim of reducing retail prices. This move triggered an unexpected lift of a diesel export embargo initially imposed by Russia in July 2026, following successful Ukrainian strikes on refining facilities.

The Kremlin's decision reflected a desire to capitalize on the newfound access to Russian fuel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly condemned the U.S. decision, claiming it displayed weakness and aided Russia's war effort. He also emphasized that the administration's simultaneous negotiations with Putin and Ukraine in Miami undermined the administration's credibility.

In response, Trump disparaged Zelenskyy, suggesting that Ukraine should select a new leader. Zelenskyy subsequently proposed halting strikes on Russian oil refineries, contingent on Russia ceasing aerial attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the United States has refrained from importing Russian oil or gas.

However, diesel prices have skyrocketed due to disruptions in global energy supplies caused by the conflict in Iran, currently averaging $4.36 per gallon in the United States.