Trump Defends Russian Diesel Deal as Allies Raise Legal Concerns

US President Donald Trump faces growing opposition from lawmakers and international allies over an agreement to import Russian diesel, a move intended to ease fuel costs as the war involving Iran disrupts global energy supplies. Announced on Friday, the arrangement would temporarily relax restrictions on Russian fuel exports, raising legal questions in Washington and concerns about its impact on Western support for Ukraine.

Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another one million tonnes. A further three million tonnes could follow within a short period, depending on the condition of Russian refineries damaged by Ukrainian attacks, according to the BBC.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the proposed volumes to the state-owned news agency Tass and said monthly exports could eventually reach three million tonnes. CNN reported that the agreement would suspend fuel export sanctions for six months, allowing Russia to sell diesel at market prices.

Trump presented lower fuel costs as the principal objective of the agreement, emphasizing the burden on agricultural and transportation businesses.

"Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

The agreement comes as American diesel prices remain elevated following disruptions to crude oil supplies linked to the conflict involving Iran. According to the American Automobile Association, the national average diesel price stood at $6.28 per gallon, below the record $6.53 reached at the end of September.

The United States consumes approximately 3.6 million barrels of diesel daily, according to the BBC. Analysts have questioned whether Russia can deliver the promised volumes and whether the shipments would significantly reduce prices for American consumers.

A bipartisan group of seven US senators challenged the arrangement on Sunday, arguing that it conflicts with restrictions Congress established in 2022 to prevent American spending from supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. The group included Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis, alongside Democrats Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden.

The senators called on Trump to reverse the decision, warning against providing Moscow with additional financial resources while Russian forces continue attacking Ukrainian civilians. They argued that Congress had explicitly prohibited Russian energy imports to prevent American dollars from financing the war.

Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the agreement in an interview with Fox News, saying the administration would use existing legal mechanisms to reduce fuel prices. Republican Representative Thomas Massie also supported broader sanctions relief, advocating the removal of restrictions on all petroleum products.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the arrangement, describing it as additional financial support for Russia's war effort. CNN reported that Trump also blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries for contributing to global fuel pressures and called for a change in Ukraine's leadership.

Zelensky indicated that Ukraine could halt attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow stopped targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The proposed arrangement has therefore raised concerns in Kyiv that American pressure could limit one of Ukraine's key methods of disrupting Russia's war-related fuel production.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney opposed the deal, saying it conflicted with efforts by Ukraine, Canada and their allies to establish peace and stability in Europe. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also urged Ukraine's allies to increase pressure on Russia to end the war.

Russia's ability to supply the promised volumes remains uncertain. CNN reported that Ukrainian drone strikes had severely damaged Russian refineries, contributing to domestic fuel shortages and production cuts. Russia suspended all diesel exports this month to preserve supplies for domestic use, according to the report.

Putin defended the agreement following a scheduled telephone conversation with Trump on Friday, presenting Russian fuel supplies as beneficial to international markets.

"The Russian side confirmed its willingness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US market and global markets at large," Putin said in an official statement.

Putin also expressed confidence that the arrangement would benefit the wider economy. Meanwhile, Trump announced on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had reached an energy ceasefire, although he provided no further details. Zelensky welcomed the announcement, while Moscow had not publicly responded at the time of the reports.