Republican senator says Trump diesel deal with Russia may be illegal

· Energy · United States · Russia

US President Donald Trump's bid to bring down diesel prices by easing sanctions on Russia has prompted rare Republican criticism, with Republican senator Thom Tillis warning the diesel deal could put American lives at risk and another senator saying it may be illegal. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have criticized the deal, which was announced weeks before the US midterm elections. Analysts say the fuel will take weeks to ship and the quantity is too small to affect US diesel prices. A former US ambassador warned the deal could give Moscow revenue to prolong the war in Ukraine while undermining sanctions.

Why it matters：A sanctions easing on Russian diesel ahead of US midterms tests bipartisan support for sanctions and could weaken the pressure campaign on Moscow.

Key points

  • Republican senator Thom Tillis warned the deal could put American lives at risk.
  • Analysts say the quantity is too small and too slow to affect US diesel prices.
  • A former US ambassador said the deal could fund Russia's war and undermine sanctions.

Sources (original reporting)

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