Growing opposition among Republicans to the Trump-Russia deal
Amman2 min read
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Twelve U.S. senators, including six from President Donald Trump's own Republican Party, called on Tuesday for the cancellation of the diesel fuel agreement with Russia, stating that the deal helps Moscow fund its war on Ukraine and will not benefit Americans.
This letter adds to a wave of criticism directed at the diesel deal from both Republicans and Democrats alike. It also represents a shift from the near-unanimous support Republicans had previously given to Trump's foreign policy decisions, just weeks before the midterm elections on November 3, which will determine whether the party retains control of Congress.
In the letter, seen by Reuters, the lawmakers stated, "Granting Moscow the ability to freely sell Russian diesel in global markets harms U.S. security interests and constitutes a betrayal of the people of Ukraine, who continue to defend themselves against the bloody and illegal war waged by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."
They added, "This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our allies; therefore, it must be canceled."
The letter, dated Tuesday, was signed by Republicans Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, Alan Armstrong of Oklahoma, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and John Cornyn of Texas, in addition to six Democrats.
Collins, Murkowski, and Tillis had joined Democrats in a joint statement on Sunday calling on Trump to "reverse" the deal, saying it contradicts U.S. law that prohibits energy imports until Russia ends its aggression against Ukraine.
Trump was asked earlier on Tuesday about the diesel deal, but he avoided answering a question regarding the possibility that Russia might use the proceeds to purchase more munitions.
The Tuesday letter was also signed by Democratic senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Coons of Connecticut, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Richard Durbin of Illinois, and Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed of Rhode Island.
