President Donald Trump on Monday defended his decision to finalize an agreement for Russia to supply diesel to global markets, even as members of both parties in Congress raised objections that the move could contravene U.S. law. Lawmakers contend the arrangement may breach a 2022 law that bars Russian energy imports until Moscow ceases its military actions against Ukraine.
In public remarks and on social media, Trump framed the step as part of an effort to reduce elevated fuel prices that he says imperil Republican performance in the November 3 midterm elections. He attributed rising fuel costs to a series of events, noting that fuel prices have climbed since he initiated military action against Iran seven months ago, while also pointing to Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities as a principal factor driving price increases.
On social media, Trump wrote: "I made the right choice for the American People - ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
Last Friday the White House announced that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets, and the administration temporarily lifted U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel that were originally implemented to reduce Moscow's revenue tied to its war on Ukraine.
The diesel agreement coincided with an exchange of sharp comments between Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy over the weekend about Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. Trump said Ukraine needs a new president. Zelenskiy responded by saying he would hold elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire.
On Sunday, a bipartisan cohort of U.S. senators urged the president to reverse the diesel supply arrangement. The lawmakers argued the pact could violate the 2022 statute enacted to support Ukraine as it confronts Russian forces. Among those voicing concern was Republican Senator Jerry Moran, who wrote on social media: "We should be tightening sanctions further, not undercutting them by allowing the import of Russian diesel and risking erasing our leverage, damaging our credibility with allies, and emboldening our adversaries."
Context and immediate developments
- The administration has temporarily removed sanctions on Russian fuel tied to the diesel supply plan.
- Fuel prices have risen since the start of U.S. military action against Iran seven months ago, according to the president's statements, with Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities also cited as a cause.
- Bipartisan senators have formally requested the president cancel the arrangement, citing potential conflict with the 2022 law limiting Russian energy imports.