US Senators Challenge Trump Diesel Deal With Russia

Twelve US senators on October 13 criticized Donald Trump’s agreement with Russia to lift some sanctions on Russian diesel exports, while Ukraine reported continued attacks on energy facilities and allies questioned the move’s impact on Moscow and the war.

The senators, including six Republicans, sent a public letter to Trump warning that allowing Russian diesel sales could weaken pressure on Vladimir Putin. The letter was reported by La Presse.

The lawmakers wrote that the agreement with Putin "will not lead to fair results and will not benefit Americans either," according to the letter addressed to Trump.

The senators said the planned sanctions relief on Russian diesel exports could provide Moscow with additional resources. They argued that the measure would affect US security interests and Ukraine’s position in the war.

"Providing Moscow the ability to sell Russian diesel freely on global markets harms American security interests and is a betrayal of the Ukrainian people," the senators wrote.

The signatories urged Trump to maintain economic pressure on Russia and countries supporting its war effort. They also referenced a recent congressional sanctions package targeting Moscow.

"Apply economic pressure on Russia and the main accomplices of this war, especially China," the senators wrote, adding that such pressure could strengthen negotiations to end the conflict.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia continued strikes against energy infrastructure despite a proposed pause in attacks announced by Trump. Radio-Canada reported that Kyiv said it would respect such an arrangement if Moscow did the same.

"We support this, but I have not heard the Russian side approve this proposal," Zelensky said.

Trump had announced the energy infrastructure ceasefire proposal through social media, but details remained limited. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said contacts were continuing without confirming Russia’s acceptance.

"Do not break it!" Trump wrote in his message announcing the ceasefire, according to Radio-Canada.

Zelensky said Russian strikes followed the announcement, including attacks affecting energy facilities in Kharkiv and other locations. He questioned whether Moscow was following the reported agreement.

"It was clear that Putin does not read Truth Social," Zelensky said, referring to Trump’s platform.

European officials also expressed concerns about easing sanctions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there was no evidence Russia would respect an energy ceasefire.

"We have not yet seen that Russia would also abide by it," Kaja Kallas said.

"I would prefer a ceasefire that includes an end to the loss of human lives, and not only in the energy sector," Kallas added.

European Economic Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis questioned the likely economic effect of the diesel arrangement, while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for stronger sanctions instead.

The agreement came as the United States approached midterm elections, with fuel prices and the cost of living among political concerns. Three Republican senators who signed the letter, including Mitch McConnell, are set to retire after the November elections.

The broader conflict continued with reports of attacks affecting commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev said there was no clear evidence identifying responsibility.

"We do not have strong and clear evidence to make accusations against either side, but logically the result benefits Russia," Radev said.