Trump Diesel Deal With Putin Faces Bipartisan Backlash

President Donald Trump's agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring Russian diesel into the United States is drawing bipartisan criticism over its potential to finance Russia's war against Ukraine, conflict with existing US law, and uncertain impact on domestic fuel prices. Announced last week, the deal comes as high energy costs pressure American farmers and ranchers ahead of the midterm elections.

According to reporting by The Associated Press published by WRAL on Oct. 13, lawmakers from both parties have questioned whether the agreement undermines sanctions imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Energy experts also warn that additional Russian diesel supplies are unlikely to bring down US prices significantly, which have risen largely because of disruptions associated with the US war against Iran.

The agreement also raises questions about Washington's support for Kyiv and its credibility among allies. CNN reported on Oct. 12 that the deal could weaken the international sanctions framework intended to constrain Russia's economy and deepen concerns among NATO partners about Trump's willingness to accommodate Moscow.

William Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, warned that the consequences extend beyond the immediate energy market.

"The harm to the Ukrainians is real," Taylor said in an interview Monday. "And the cost to us, the United States, is high."

Six senators from both parties urged Trump over the weekend to reverse the agreement, warning that the United States should not provide financial support that could strengthen Russia's war effort. Senate leaders had also pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prioritize efforts against Russia's shadow fleet of tankers used to transport oil and circumvent sanctions.

Trump defended the agreement on Monday, arguing that increased energy supplies could help Americans facing high operating costs. His comments came as diesel prices reached $6 per gallon in Iowa, where fuel costs have become an issue in a competitive Senate race between Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek.

"Anything that could help our farmers, our ranchers, I like," Trump said Monday outside the White House.

Asked about Republican criticism of the agreement, Trump dismissed the objections and maintained that his priority was helping Americans manage rising costs. He also blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for high diesel prices in the United States and said Zelenskyy should step aside, a demand Ukraine's leader has no intention of accepting.

Trump further asserted that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire, despite Zelenskyy's statements that Russian forces continued attacking Ukrainian energy facilities.

"They agreed," Trump said. "Because I said, 'You agree.'"

The agreement has prompted renewed scrutiny of the legal restrictions Congress established after Russia's invasion. In spring 2022, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a ban on Russian energy imports, with the House voting 414-17 and the Senate approving the measure without opposition.

Under that law, the president can seek to lift the prohibition if Russia agrees to withdraw its troops from Ukraine and end military operations. Any proposal must undergo congressional review and be accepted by Ukraine's free and independent government.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a Texas Democrat who sponsored the legislation, accused Trump of violating the restrictions.

"Trump is directly violating that law," Doggett said in a statement Monday.

Doggett also criticized the president for rewarding Putin while blaming Zelenskyy for refusing to yield to Russian demands. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment, according to The Associated Press.

Congress approved another major Russian sanctions measure last month, named after the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. Trump signed the bill, which authorizes tariffs on countries that continue importing Russian oil. Most of its provisions are scheduled to take effect Oct. 18, following a 30-day administration review period, but the diesel agreement has raised uncertainty about implementation.

Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson also expressed concern about easing restrictions on Moscow.

"It makes me a little bit nervous anytime we're talking about relieving a sanction on Russia," Hinson said.

The dispute revives a longstanding political debate over Trump's approach to Putin. Nearly seven years ago, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Trump of favoring the Russian leader during a contentious White House meeting. Pelosi later led the first impeachment of Trump over his administration's withholding of congressionally approved aid to Ukraine in 2019. The Senate subsequently acquitted him.

Since returning to office, Trump has alternated between pressuring Zelenskyy to make concessions and expressing frustration with Putin's position on the war. His latest agreement has intensified criticism from lawmakers who argue that easing pressure on Russia could undermine Ukraine while failing to deliver meaningful relief to American consumers.

An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll published Oct. 1 found that Americans disapproved of Trump's handling of the Iran war and blamed him for rising prices. The diesel agreement now places his energy policy, relations with Moscow, and support for Ukraine under renewed scrutiny as the midterm elections approach.