Trump Defends Diesel Deal as Senators Cry Foul
On Monday, President Donald Trump stood behind an arrangement to buy diesel from Russia, drawing objections from legislators in both parties who argue the move seems to breach a U.S. statute that prohibits Russian energy imports until Moscow halts its aggression toward Ukraine. Trump insisted he is working to lower steep fuel costs that threaten Republican prospects in the November 3 midterm elections. Although prices climbed after he started a war with Iran seven months ago, he points to Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries as a major cause.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7][S8]
Writing on social media, Trump asserted that his decision served the interests of Americans and restated his America First theme. He had announced on Friday that Russia would provide diesel to world markets, and his administration issued a temporary waiver of U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel — penalties meant to cut off funding for Moscow's war against Ukraine.[S1]
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators urged Trump on Sunday to abandon the diesel supply arrangement with Russia. In their view, the deal could run afoul of a 2022 statute intended to back Ukraine as it tries to push out Russian forces. Republican Senator Jerry Moran wrote on social media that Washington ought to be strengthening sanctions rather than weakening them by permitting Russian diesel imports, warning this could squander leverage, harm trust with allies, and encourage adversaries.[S1]
Trump and Zelenskiy Clash Over Refinery Attacks
Over the weekend, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy traded criticism regarding Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries. Trump suggested Ukraine requires a different president, while Zelenskiy offered to hold elections provided Russia accepted a 60-day ceasefire. On Sunday, Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine had consented to stop attacking each other's energy infrastructure, though it remained uncertain whether that arrangement would endure.[S1]
Speaking to Fox News on Monday, Zelenskiy rejected the idea that Ukraine's refinery strikes were the primary driver of climbing fuel costs. He maintained that it is widely understood that diesel prices are not tied to our strikes on diesel inside Russia, and that the real factor is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.[S1]
