‘The cost to us, the United States, is high’: Trump’s ‘financial lifeline’ diesel deal with Putin sparks bipartisan backlash in Congress

Congress is expressing deep concern over President Trump's controversial decision to strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel to ease sky-high fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections. The agreement, which has drawn bipartisan criticism, is seen as providing a financial lifeline to Putin and violating existing U.S. laws aimed at curbing Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor emphasized the real harm to Ukrainians and the high cost to the United States. Six senators called on Trump to reverse the deal, warning that providing Putin with a financial lifeline could undermine U.S. credibility at home and abroad. Despite Republican criticism, Trump maintained that he would not budge and blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the price hikes.

The deal joins a growing list of instances where Trump has sided with Putin, often at the expense of Ukraine and America's standing. Congress previously banned imports of Russian energy products, but Trump insists his deal is in line with a purported energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.