Bipartisan Senators Criticize Trump's Diesel Deal with Russia

<p>President Donald Trump's agreement to lift sanctions on Russia to increase diesel supplies has been criticized by a bipartisan coalition of senators, who described it as "a betrayal of the people of Ukraine" and "a gift to our adversary" in a letter addressed to the President.</p><p>The senators expressed concerns about the implications of turning to Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the diesel supply issue, stating that it adds to challenges for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections and exacerbates tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine.</p><p>The letter warned that the deal "will not achieve just ends, nor will it benefit Americans," urging Trump to withdraw from the agreement and increase economic pressure on Russia as outlined in a sanctions bill named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, which he signed into law the previous month.</p><ul><li>Amid record-high diesel and gas prices affecting key industries and American households, the lawmakers argued that "allowing Russian-origin diesel into global markets will offer limited to no relief to Americans."</li><li>Analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the potential impact of the deal on fuel prices, as reported by Axios' Ben Geman.</li><li>The senators also stated that the deal "will undoubtedly finance" Russia's military actions and enhance its security ties with China, Iran, and North Korea.</li></ul><p>The signers of the letter include Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas).</p><ul><li>The White House has not yet responded to Axios' request for comment.</li></ul><p>The bipartisan coalition has garnered additional dissent from other lawmakers, including members of the President's party. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) announced plans to force a vote to block Russian oil purchases, predicting that it would pass overwhelmingly. Retiring Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) indicated he would support the petition.</p><p>This agreement has reignited tensions between Kyiv and Washington, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commenting that the deal "looks like a happy birthday present for Putin." Reports indicate that Trump made the decision to proceed with the deal after Ukraine continued its attacks on Russian oil refineries, which had contributed to rising prices, despite U.S. requests for Ukraine to halt such strikes.</p><p>The administration has a deadline of October 18 to implement the sanctions law honoring Graham, although the legislation permits the President to waive certain provisions.</p>