On Tuesday, 12 senators, split between Republicans and Democrats, sent a letter to President Donald Trump demanding he rescind a Russian diesel export agreement.
The letter, co‑authored by Democrat Richard Blumenthal and Republican Mitch McConnell, cites the deal—allowing Russia to ship 300,000 tons immediately and a further 500,000 tons in November—as a direct financial boost to Moscow’s war machine. A Ukrainian refugee in a Queens shelter said the deal would finance attacks on civilians.
The senators argue the influx would have little impact on U.S. fuel prices, while the temporary license issued by Treasury after Putin’s pledge could fund the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. The move faces backlash.
European Union economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis echoed the skepticism, saying the promised volumes were not macro‑economically significant. Trump is expected to respond before the mid‑term election on November 8.