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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Senators Call for End to Diesel Deal with Russia
A group of twelve U.S. senators, including six from President Donald Trump's own Republican party, has urged the president to rescind his recent diesel oil deal with Russia. In a letter sent on Tuesday, the senators expressed deep concerns that the agreement would aid Russia in financing its war on Ukraine and would not benefit Americans.
Bipartisan Criticism Mounts Ahead of Midterm Elections
The senators' letter contributes to a growing wave of bipartisan criticism surrounding the diesel pact. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have spoken out against the deal, which comes just weeks before the November 3 midterm elections that will determine control of the U.S. Congress. The issue marks a notable shift from the recent pattern of near-unanimous Republican support for Trump's foreign policy decisions.
Security and Ally Concerns Raised in Senatorial Letter
The letter, seen by Reuters and signed by a bipartisan group of senators, argued, "Granting Moscow the ability to sell Russian diesel freely in global markets damages American security interests and is a betrayal of the people of Ukraine, who continue to defend themselves from Russian President Vladimir Putin's murderous, illegal war." The senators went on to state, "This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded."
Details on the Senators Involved
The letter was signed by Republican Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, Alan Armstrong of Oklahoma, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and John Cornyn of Texas. Democratic signatories included Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Richard Durbin of Illinois, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, and Chris Coons of Connecticut.
Background: Diesel Deal and Sanctions Reversal
President Trump recently announced a deal to import Russian diesel as fuel prices rose, which amounted to a reversal of previous sanctions against Moscow. The move was swiftly condemned by Ukraine, which warned that it would directly benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some senators, including Collins, Murkowski, and Tillis, had earlier joined Democrats in a statement urging Trump to reverse course, citing U.S. legal restrictions on energy imports from Russia while its aggression against Ukraine continues.
The Ukraine Conflict and Broader Implications
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to ongoing warfare between the two countries. Critics of the diesel import arrangement argue that loosening restrictions on Russian energy contributes financially to Russia's war efforts. When asked about this on Tuesday, President Trump sidestepped questions regarding whether proceeds from the diesel deal could enable Russia to purchase additional weaponry.
Source: cbc.ca.
