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Senators demand return of sanctions on Russia

Fresh criticism deepens the conflict between Trump's administration and the US Congress over Russian diesel.

Follow-up to: Diesel deal with Putin divides Republicans Monday, 12 October 2026, 20:29

A group of Republican and Democratic senators on Monday demanded that the Trump administration reverse its easing of restrictions on Russian diesel. The deal announced with Vladimir Putin on Friday has thereby developed into an open conflict between the White House and Congress, while few details are known about delivery and payment.

The senators say the administration must not allow Russian diesel to regain access to the US market while Russia is waging war against Ukraine. According to their statement, Congress banned Russian energy imports in 2022, and the administration is also required to inform Congress about major changes to sanctions policy.

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and world markets. His announcement said that a further 500,000 tonnes would follow in November, followed by even larger quantities. Russian president Vladimir Putin mainly confirmed that Moscow was prepared to supply oil and oil products to international markets.

The US Treasury subsequently issued a temporary licence. According to the Associated Press, the licence prevents sanctions from being applied to Russian diesel that had already been loaded on tankers on Friday. The arrangement could remain in force until April 2027, according to the same source. It remains unclear how much fuel will actually go to the United States and which companies will carry out the transactions.

The senators call the measure contrary to the purpose of the sanctions legislation. They fear that US payments will support Russia's war chest and that Washington is giving away negotiating leverage over Moscow. They also say that the administration did not consult Congress in advance and has not explained the legal basis on which the easing rests.

The criticism is not coming only from the Democratic opposition. Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, said on Monday that the United States should instead tighten the sanctions. In his view, allowing Russian diesel could reduce pressure on Moscow, damage credibility with allies and encourage adversaries.

In Moscow, meanwhile, the agreement is being presented as a sign that Russia is once again being given room on the world market. According to AP, the Kremlin has not yet given an extensive public explanation of the arrangements. Deputy prime minister Alexander Novak did say that the domestic Russian market would be adequately supplied and that exports were possible alongside national supply.

The possible impact on diesel prices is uncertain. Analysts quoted by AP expect the announced quantities to be limited in relation to global demand. Earlier this year, Russia itself had imposed a temporary export ban to protect the domestic market, with exceptions for certain producers and international agreements.

For Ukraine and European allies, therefore, this is not only about fuel. The easing may be seen as an economic concession to Moscow while the war continues. At the same time, it is still unclear whether the delivery will be fully carried out, how Congress will respond legally and whether the measure will have a noticeable effect on US diesel prices.

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