Twelve Senators Urge Trump to Cancel Russian Diesel Deal

A bipartisan group of 12 U.S. senators urged President Donald Trump on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to cancel an arrangement allowing Russian diesel exports to international markets. The lawmakers warned that the agreement could generate revenue for President Vladimir Putin's government while offering little relief to American consumers, intensifying congressional opposition ahead of a key sanctions deadline.

The letter was signed by six Republicans and six Democrats. Republican signatories included Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, Alan Armstrong of Oklahoma, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and John Cornyn of Texas. Democratic signatories were Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Richard Durbin of Illinois, Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed of Rhode Island, and Chris Coons of Connecticut.

Trump announced the arrangement on Friday, October 9, following a call with Putin. He initially said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons, equivalent to approximately 2.25 million barrels, of diesel to U.S. and international markets. A CNBC report described a broader arrangement involving 4.8 million metric tons, or nearly 36 million barrels, through mid-April.

The senators challenged the deal's potential economic benefits and warned about its implications for Ukraine and U.S. security.

"Granting Moscow the ability to sell Russian diesel freely in global markets damages American security interests and is a betrayal of the people of Ukraine, who continue to defend themselves from Putin's murderous, illegal war," the senators wrote in their letter.

The lawmakers argued that revenue from additional fuel exports could help Moscow sustain its military campaign. They also maintained that the arrangement conflicted with recently enacted U.S. legislation intended to increase economic pressure on Russia.

"This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded."

The senators called on Trump to use the sanctions powers established under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation, signed by Trump the previous month, sets an October 18 deadline for imposing sweeping new sanctions and tariffs on Russian energy or issuing a waiver based on national interest. The administration had not informed lawmakers whether it would impose the measures or waive them.

The senators also questioned whether the additional supply would significantly reduce domestic fuel costs. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration data cited by CBC, the American transportation sector consumes approximately 2.94 million barrels of diesel daily, meaning the initial Russian shipment would represent less than one day's demand.

"Allowing Russian-origin diesel into global markets will offer limited to no relief to Americans," the senators wrote.

They also warned that proceeds could support Russia's military operations and cooperation with other countries.

"It will have a negligible impact on fuel prices, but the revenues the Kremlin will receive from this agreement will undoubtedly finance its desired war of attrition and advance its security cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea," the letter stated.

Trump has defended the decision as a measure to ease fuel costs. On Monday, he posted a message on Truth Social reaffirming his position.

"I made the right choice for the American People — ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST!" Trump wrote.

On Tuesday, Trump was asked whether anyone had warned him that Russia could use diesel revenue to purchase additional bombs. CBC reported that he replied, "No, nobody told me anything," while maintaining that the arrangement would benefit both the United States and the wider world.

Oil market analysts cited by CNBC questioned whether the additional Russian supply would meaningfully lower prices. The Globe and Mail reported that U.S. diesel prices fell 0.5% on Monday following Trump's announcements, although the available information did not establish that the Russian arrangement caused the decline.

Russia's ability to fulfill the proposed shipments also remains uncertain. The Globe and Mail reported that Ukrainian drone attacks had damaged Russian refineries, prompting Moscow to restrict diesel exports to preserve domestic supplies. The condition of export infrastructure and the availability of tankers operating within applicable sanctions restrictions could further complicate deliveries.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Monday that Russia could restore diesel exports to levels exceeding the volume initially outlined by Trump. Moscow also partially lifted its export ban on Saturday, according to the Globe and Mail.

Opposition has extended beyond the 12 senators. Collins, Murkowski and Tillis joined Democrats in a statement on Sunday urging Trump to reverse course, while Republican Senator John Curtis of Utah also joined the earlier criticism. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that the arrangement could embolden Moscow's attacks, according to CNBC.

The dispute comes as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, continues. The October 18 sanctions deadline places the administration's decision within days of the congressional appeal and weeks before the November 3 U.S. midterm elections.