Bipartisan group of senators calls on Trump to 'reverse course' on Russian diesel plan

Four Republican and two Democratic senators called Sunday for President Donald Trump’s administration to drop its plan to buy diesel from Russia. They said Congress was not consulted and that the administration had not provided the explanation required by law.

Trump announced Friday that he had agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrange diesel deliveries. His post described an initial shipment and further supplies in the months ahead, aiming to increase availability and ease high fuel prices.

The signatories are Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis, and Democrats Jeanne Shaheen and Richard Blumenthal. They argued that purchases would send money to Russia while it continues its war against Ukraine.

The dispute follows legislation passed by Congress directing tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, alongside a 2022 ban on Russian energy imports. The measures were intended to curb revenue that could support Russia’s war.

Tillis said the plan could raise questions about whether the president is complying with the law. The senators want the administration to reverse its decision; the article does not say whether it will do so.