Lawmakers demand the cancellation of the license for Russian diesel imports
Twelve US senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties have sent a bipartisan letter to President Donald Trump over his deal with Russian authorities regarding diesel fuel imports. The politicians condemned the decision and demanded the enforcement of Lindsey Graham's sanctions law. This was reported by Ukrinform citing The Hill, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The address states that the agreement on Russian diesel imports was reached on October 9. The authors of the document emphasized that such arrangements contradict the provisions of 2022 legislation, which explicitly prohibits such purchases without prior notification to Congress.
Senators react to fuel imports
Among the signatories of the document are former Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator John Cornyn. In addition, the letter was signed by Republicans Alan Armstrong, Thom Tillis, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins, as well as Democrats Richard Blumenthal, Jeanne Shaheen, Dick Durbin, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jack Reed, and Chris Coons.
«The agreement you reached with Vladimir Putin on October 9 will not advance just goals or benefit the American people», the politicians stated in their letter.
The lawmakers acknowledged the White House’s goal to lower domestic fuel prices, which reached a record $6.53 per gallon last month. At the same time, they stressed that energy inflows from Russia would provide little to no relief for American consumers.
Consequences for the Kremlin’s war machine
According to the senators, the revenues the Kremlin receives from the fuel deal will be used to finance its war of aggression and continue attacks on Ukrainian civilians. The letter’s authors warned that this would also deepen Moscow’s security cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea.
«Permitting Russian-origin diesel fuel into global markets will offer the American people little to no relief», the text of the appeal reads.
Furthermore, the lawmakers expressed concern that the situation could endanger United States service members operating abroad under Operation Epic Fury against Iran. They recalled the Russia and Iran Sanctions Act sponsored by Lindsey Graham, which was enacted last month to expand economic pressure on hostile regimes.
Call to revoke general license
The authors of the letter urged the president to withdraw from the agreement and revoke US Department of the Treasury General License No. 135, which eases restrictions against Moscow. They demanded utilizing the authorities provided under the Graham law to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position.
«Putin is a tyrant. Exit this deal, revoke General License 135, and use your authority under the Lindsey Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act», the senators urged in their address.
Commenting on the situation on X, Senator Richard Blumenthal noted that the Russian side continues to target energy infrastructure despite Ukraine agreeing to a truce. In his view, such actions demonstrate Moscow’s intent to weaponize the cold winter.
Photo: Ukrinform
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