By George Omagbemi
Twelve United States senators, including six Republicans from President Donald Trump’s party, have urged him to rescind a controversial agreement allowing Russian diesel exports, warning that the arrangement could provide Moscow with additional revenue to finance its war against Ukraine.
In a letter dated Tuesday, October 13, the lawmakers argued that allowing Russia to sell diesel freely in international markets undermines American security interests and betrays Ukraine and other US allies.
“This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded,” the senators said.
The Republican signatories are Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, Alan Armstrong, Lisa Murkowski and John Cornyn. Six Democratic senators also signed the letter: Richard Blumenthal, Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Durbin, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jack Reed and Chris Coons.
Trump announced the agreement after discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Russia would supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel to US and global markets. He has defended the arrangement as a measure intended to ease fuel prices.
However, critics question whether the proposed supply would significantly reduce American fuel costs. Reuters reported that the initial volume cited by Trump is smaller than one day’s diesel consumption by the US transport sector.
The dispute also raises questions about sanctions and existing US restrictions on Russian energy imports. The senators urged Trump to implement the provisions of a newly enacted law targeting Russia and Iran, as his administration faces an October 18 deadline to impose further sanctions or issue a waiver on national-interest grounds.
The White House had not announced whether it would impose the sanctions or grant a waiver at the time of the Reuters report.
The bipartisan opposition adds pressure on Trump as Washington continues efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine back to negotiations.
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