Senators Urge Trump to Revoke Diesel Deal with Russia
On October 13, 2026, President Trump engaged with the media while leaving the White House. Recently, a bipartisan group of senators urged Trump to cancel a diesel agreement made with Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling it as a ‘betrayal of the people of Ukraine.’ Last week, Trump announced through social media that Russia would supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to the American and global markets, with an increase to 500,000 tons in November and eventually one million tons.
Trump further mentioned Russia’s commitment to deliver an additional 3,000,000 tons of diesel fuel, contingent on the condition of Russian diesel refineries. This revelation was met with surprise by lawmakers who had earlier passed legislation demanding drastic tariffs on Russian oil imports, targeting Russian entities fueling Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. The legislation honored the late GOP Senator Lindsey Graham, crucial in negotiating Trump’s backing for the initiative.
‘This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our allies; it should be rescinded,’ the senators stated in a Tuesday letter addressed to the president.
The letter expressed the senators’ concern that the agreement with Putin would not serve American interests. The senators acknowledged the necessity to reduce energy costs for Americans but argued that allowing Russian diesel into global markets offers little relief domestically. They emphasized that the deal financially supports Putin’s military agenda and facilitates ongoing assaults on Ukrainian civilians.
When queried about the letter, the White House referenced comments by Trump regarding concerns over Russia potentially purchasing weapons using the diesel deal proceeds. Trump had stated, ‘Nobody’s telling me anything,’ affirming that the deal was intended for the global market rather than American consumption.
The letter urging President Trump to revoke the deal bore signatures from Democrats Richard Blumenthal, Chris Coons, Dick Durbin, Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, and Sheldon Whitehouse, alongside Republicans Alan Armstrong, Susan Collins, John Cornyn, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Thom Tillis.