A bipartisan group of seven senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump’s recent agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which would lift sanctions and permit Russian oil to flow into global markets. The statement, released Sunday, accused the administration of violating federal law and undermining Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
“Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine,” the senators wrote. “Congress was clear: the U.S. should not import oil from Russia until it ends its aggression against Ukraine and ceases threats against our NATO Allies.”
The statement was signed by Democrats Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, and Ron Wyden of Oregon, alongside Republicans Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and John Curtis of Utah. The group argued that Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports directly contravenes the 2022 law and that the administration failed to consult Congress or provide any legal justification as required by statute.
“The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians,” they added. “The Administration must immediately reverse course.”
The controversy erupted Friday when Trump announced on Truth Social that after a conversation with Putin, Russia would “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace.” The move has drawn criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with some Republicans joining Democrats in expressing alarm. Sen. Tillis warned that the deal undermines ongoing efforts to tighten sanctions on Moscow, while others have called for a bipartisan bill to block Russian oil imports.
The decision comes amid months of rising diesel prices, which have put political pressure on Republicans as the midterm elections approach. Trump has blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries for the price hikes, while some administration officials point to the conflict in Iran. The White House has not yet responded to the senators’ statement.
The bipartisan pushback signals growing unease within Congress over Trump’s foreign policy posture toward Russia, even as the president maintains a firm grip on the GOP base. The senators’ demand for an immediate reversal sets up a potential legal and political clash over the scope of executive authority on sanctions. Bipartisan fury over the diesel deal has been building since Friday, with some lawmakers calling for hearings and legislative action.
As the administration weighs its next move, the standoff underscores the delicate balance between energy prices, election-year politics, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The senators’ letter makes clear that any attempt to bypass Congress on Russian energy imports will face fierce resistance from both parties.
