President Donald Trump is facing rare bipartisan opposition in the Senate following his announcement of a deal for Russia to supply the United States with over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel, with the possibility of additional shipments in the future. Seven senators from both parties released a joint statement on Monday, arguing that the administration’s plan violates a 2022 law that prohibits Russian energy imports in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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The dispute centers on the legality of the president's move to resume Russian diesel imports under the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act. Congress passed this law in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aiming to cut off American purchases of Russian oil and refined products and thereby reduce funding for Russia’s military campaign.

The group of senators—Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and John Curtis (R-Utah)—stated that Congress “explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine.” They warned that the administration’s plan “runs directly counter to that law” and accused the White House of failing to consult Congress or provide the required explanation for the decision.

"President Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law. The Administration has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute."

— Senators' joint statement

The senators’ statement, published by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for the administration to “immediately reverse course” and comply with the law. The bipartisan group emphasized that the White House had not engaged with Congress or submitted any legal justification for the move, as required by the statute.

Law Sets Strict Conditions for Lifting Ban

Under the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, the president may only lift the ban on Russian energy imports after certifying to Congress that several strict conditions have been met. These include confirmation that Russia has withdrawn its forces from Ukraine, that Russia does not pose an immediate military threat to any NATO country, and that Russia recognizes Ukraine’s right to self-determination. The senators argued that none of these conditions have been fulfilled, and that allowing Russian diesel into the U.S. would provide “Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians.”

The 2022 law was enacted as part of a broader effort to isolate Russia economically and pressure its leadership to end the war in Ukraine. The legislation was designed to ensure that U.S. dollars would not contribute to Russia’s ability to finance its military operations. The law’s text requires the president to submit a formal certification to Congress before any restrictions on Russian energy imports can be lifted, and to provide a detailed explanation for any such decision.

Political and Economic Context

Trump announced the Russian diesel deal last Friday, citing a global supply shortage that has driven up U.S. fuel prices. The timing of the announcement comes as fuel costs have become a major political flashpoint ahead of the midterm elections, with both parties seeking to address voter concerns about inflation and energy security.

The administration has argued that the deal is necessary to address immediate supply concerns and stabilize prices at the pump. However, critics in Congress say that the law leaves little room for exceptions and that the administration must follow the statutory process, including consulting with lawmakers and providing a public justification.

The senators’ challenge comes as the U.S. faces continued volatility in global energy markets and heightened scrutiny over the administration’s approach to both energy security and Russia policy. The bipartisan nature of the senators’ statement underscores the broad consensus in Congress on maintaining pressure on Russia and upholding the sanctions regime.

White House Response and Next Steps

As of Monday, the White House had not publicly responded to the senators’ criticism or addressed whether it intends to submit a legal justification for the Russian diesel deal as required by statute. Supporters of the administration have not issued statements defending the move, and it remains unclear whether the administration will reconsider or defend the agreement in light of the legal objections raised by Congress.

The senators’ statement calls for the administration to immediately reverse course and comply with the law, reflecting ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Congress over the direction of U.S. policy toward Russia and energy imports. The issue is likely to remain in the spotlight as lawmakers continue to press for answers and as the administration weighs its next steps.

For further details, the full statement from the senators is available through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The text of the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, which outlines the legal requirements for lifting the ban, is also publicly accessible.