US Senators urge Trump administration to cancel Russian diesel purchase deal

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 (YPA) – A bipartisan group of six US senators—four Republicans and two Democrats—urged the administration of President Donald Trump on Sunday to immediately reverse its plan to purchase diesel fuel from Russia.

In a joint statement, the lawmakers criticized the administration for failing to consult with Congress, as required by law, and for providing no justification for the decision.

“While Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians, the United States should not provide financial support to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The administration must change this position immediately,” the statement said.

The senators emphasized that Congress has made its stance clear: the United States should not import Russian oil until Moscow ends its aggression against Ukraine and halts its threats against NATO allies.

The joint statement follows President Trump’s announcement on Friday that he reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow to immediately supply the US and global markets with more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel, followed by an additional 500,000 tons in November, and one million tons thereafter.

The agreement comes weeks after Congress passed legislation requiring the president to impose heavy tariffs on countries that remain major importers of Russian oil or natural gas.

YPA