Senators urge Trump to rescind Russian diesel deal
The short version
Twelve senators from both parties asked President Trump to cancel a waiver that lets Russian diesel reach U.S. markets. The move was criticized as a betrayal of Ukraine and a threat to American interests.
A bipartisan group of twelve senators wrote a letter to President Trump urging him to rescind the diesel deal.9,6,5 The letter described the deal as a "betrayal" of Ukraine.5 The senators said the deal would not benefit Americans.8
The deal involved a waiver of sanctions on Russian diesel exports.6,5 The waiver allows Russian diesel to be exported to the U.S. and other markets.3 The agreement was announced on Friday, Oct. 13.3
The deal would provide 2.24 million barrels immediately, 3.73 million the next month, and then roughly double thereafter.3 The senators cited a 2022 law that bars U.S. imports of Russian oil and petroleum products.3 Treasury said it is acting in compliance with all applicable laws.3
European officials, including the U.K., expressed concern about the deal.4 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the deal.7,2 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejected the deal and called for tougher sanctions.1
The deal was intended to ease a global diesel shortage caused by the Iran war and Ukrainian strikes.3 The deal was part of Trump's strategy to lower U.S. diesel prices.3 The letter was sent on Oct. 13.9,6
Why it matters
The U.S. had waived sanctions that normally prohibit Russian diesel exports, allowing Russian diesel to enter U.S. and global markets.6,3
The 2022 law cited by senators prohibits U.S. imports of Russian oil and petroleum products, making the waiver a legal exception.3
The global diesel market has a deficit of about 1 million barrels per day, and the deal was meant to address shortages exacerbated by the Iran war and Ukrainian attacks on refineries.3
Ukraine has repeatedly called the deal a gift to President Putin and a betrayal of its war effort.5,2
This account was written from the 9 reports listed below, filed by 8 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Comments
0Comments are screened automatically. Disagreement is welcome; abuse and spam are not.
Loading…
Related
House Republicans and Democrats Urge Trump to Cancel Russian Diesel Deal
The bipartisan letter, signed by five Republican and 17 Democratic representatives, calls for revocation of the authorization as a sanctions deadline approaches.
Russia Offers Disabled Recruits Bonuses to Shoot Down Ukrainian Drones
The strikes followed President Zelensky's statement that he was done with U.S. calls for an energy ceasefire, prompting Russia to accuse Ukraine of breaching a U.S.-brokered deal.
The U.S. Army / Public domainTrump cancels livestream of Fort Hood shooter’s execution
The decision follows bipartisan backlash over the Pentagon’s earlier plan to livestream the firing‑squad execution scheduled for December 3.
Brazil Senate Shortens Workweek to 40 Hours, Boosting Lula Ahead of Runoff
The constitutional amendment will eliminate the six‑day work schedule that has 16 million workers on a 44‑hour week, giving Lula a political advantage.