A group of seven U.S. senators—four Republicans and three Democrats—issued a statement urging President Trump to “reverse course” on his recent agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply diesel fuel globally. The senators emphasized that Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s war against Ukraine, stating: “The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) added: “We can discuss Russia’s return to global energy markets once the war is over, but in the meantime, we need to cut off everything fueling it.” The statement cited recent bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing sanctions and tariffs on Russia, arguing Trump’s administration should use these authorities instead of allowing Russian exports that fund Moscow’s conflict.

The senators’ criticism follows President Trump’s announcement that Russia agreed to supply over 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, with additional shipments in November and beyond. Trump also claimed that Russia would deliver 3 million tons of diesel based on “the condition of their Diesel Refineries,” asserting this deal would lower global prices while preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who is retiring from the Senate in January, called the agreement potentially illegal and a risk to American lives, stating: “I do believe there’s a legitimate case for saying the president’s not following the law.” The senators noted that diesel prices—which have reached record highs—could impact Republican competitiveness in upcoming congressional elections.

The statement cited Trump’s claim that the European Union paid Russia $250 billion for energy since the start of Ukraine-related conflicts, aligning with estimates from research groups tracking Russian fossil fuel exports. The bipartisan group called for immediate reversal of the administration’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel, stressing that such action contradicts Congressional prohibitions on funding Ukraine’s conflict.