A group of senators from both parties is calling on Donald Trump to abandon his recent diesel agreement with Russia. They warn that this deal could provide President Vladimir Putin with additional resources to fund his war against Ukraine and describe it as “a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies.”
The senators argue that the Treasury Department’s General License No. 135, which removes sanctions on Russian diesel exports, primarily benefits Putin, allowing him to finance military operations and continue attacks on Ukrainian civilians. They believe this arrangement undermines American security interests and is a disservice to the Ukrainian people, who are bravely resisting Putin’s aggressive actions. “This deal should be rescinded,” they emphasized in their letter.
The letter was also sent to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It was signed by Republican Senators Thom Tillis, Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, Alan Stuart Armstrong, Lisa Murkowski, and John Cornyn, along with Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal, Jeanne Shaheen, Dick Durbin, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jack Reed, and Chris Coons.
In their message, the senators acknowledged the need to alleviate energy costs for American families and address supply chain issues caused by conflicts, including the situation with Iran. However, they suggested that permitting Russian diesel into global markets wouldn’t significantly benefit Americans and would primarily enrich the Kremlin, potentially financing its continued military aggression and its partnerships with nations like China, Iran, and North Korea. This, they insist, also poses risks for American servicemembers abroad.
“Putin is a tyrant,” the senators stated. They urged for the withdrawal from the agreement, the rescindment of General License No. 135, and the execution of authorities outlined in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, highlighting America’s role as a leader in promoting global freedom.
The senators’ comments came after Trump announced on Truth Social that he had reached a “highly successful discussion” with Putin, wherein Russia would supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel immediately, with more to follow. Trump suggested this agreement would lead to a significant drop in diesel prices for Americans, especially benefiting farmers, ranchers, and truckers, emphasizing that America would maintain control over energy resources.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for commentary regarding the senators’ letter.
