Lawmakers in bipartisan statement push back on Trump over Russian oil

A bipartisan group of seven lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee condemned President Trump’s recent deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which would lift sanctions on Russia and permit the flow of its oil into the global economy.

“Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine. Congress was clear: the U.S. should not import oil from Russia until it ends its aggression against Ukraine and ceases threats against our NATO Allies,” the group wrote in a message released Sunday.

The statement is signed by three Democrats, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) and Ron Wyden (Ore.), and three Republicans, Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Thom Tillis (N.C.) and John Curtis (Utah).

“President Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law. The Administration has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute,” the bipartisan group added. “The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians. The Administration must immediately reverse course.”

On Friday, Trump announced on Truth Social that following a conversation with Putin, Russia would “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace.”

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have criticized the move .

The decision followed months of increasing diesel prices , putting political pressure on the GOP as the midterms rapidly approach. Trump has blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries for higher costs, while some point to the war in Iran.