"US should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline": US senators oppose Russian diesel imports
Seven US senators from the Republican and Democratic parties released a joint statement on Sunday, October 11, criticizing President Donald Trump's decision to permit Russian diesel fuel imports into the United States. American lawmakers stated that the US must not provide Russian dictator Vladimir Putin with financial support that helps Russia continue its war against Ukraine.
Rubryka reports that US lawmakers recalled Congress's 2022 explicit ban on Russian energy imports designed to prevent American funds from financing Russian aggression against Ukraine.
"Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin's brutal war against Ukraine. Congress was clear: the US should not import oil from Russia until it ends its aggression against Ukraine and ceases threats against our NATO Allies," the senators noted.
According to the American lawmakers, Donald Trump's decision to allow Russian diesel fuel imports directly violates the law Congress enacted in 2022.
Separately, the senators highlighted that the administration failed to consult with Congress or provide explanations justifying the decision, despite statutory requirements.
"The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians. The Administration must immediately reverse course," the statement reads.
Additionally, as previously reported, Republican representatives in both houses of the US Congress criticized President Donald Trump's agreement with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin regarding Russian diesel fuel supplies. Lawmakers expressed concern over the potential weakening of sanctions against Russia and the impact this could have on funding Russia's war against Ukraine.
Background
On October 9, US President Donald Trump stated that he spoke by telephone with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin and agreed on Russian diesel fuel supplies to American and global markets.
Zelenskyi noted that Defense Forces strikes on refineries and other oil facilities in Russia represent a response to the Kremlin's years-long campaign of strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. However, according to the president, Ukraine will not burn Russian oil refining facilities if Russians cease these attacks.
Negotiations between the Ukrainian delegation and American representatives in Miami over the end of the war against Russia concluded earlier than scheduled, with the second day's meetings canceled. Volodymyr Zelenskyi stated that the US used the Miami meeting with Ukrainian negotiators to cover up fuel agreements with Russia.
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