Senator Collins, Bipartisan Senators Call on President to Rescind Russian Diesel Deal, Implement Authorized Sanctions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alan Armstrong (R-OK), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and John Cornyn (R-TX) wrote to President Trump urging him to rescind the recent agreement to allow Russian-origin diesel fuel into global markets. The senators urged President Trump to instead take swift action to implement sanctions authorized by the recently enacted Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act , which the President signed into law last month. “Congress and the American people support ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has cost hundreds of thousands of lives over the last four and a half years because Russia chose to invade its neighbor,” the senators wrote. “A brokered peace, however, must be on just terms. It must uphold democratic values, the sovereignty and security of Ukraine, and their people’s right to choose their future.” “Granting Moscow the ability to sell Russian diesel freely in global markets damages American security interests and is a betrayal of the people of Ukraine, who continue to defend themselves from Putin’s murderous, illegal war,” they continued. “This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded.” “Last month, Congress passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which you swiftly signed into law. Both chambers passed the legislation with resounding, bipartisan votes, clearly demonstrating our intent and granting you the authorities to broker a just and fair peace. These authorities require you to apply economic pressure on Russia and the chief enablers of its war, in particular China, and thereby enhance your negotiating position to bring a swift end to this ruinous conflict,” the senators concluded. Click here to read the full text of the senators’ letter. +++ Last week, following the President’s announcement of the deal with Russia to lift sanctions on diesel exports, Senator Collins joined Senators Shaheen, Blumenthal, Wyden, Tillis, and Curtis in issuing a statement opposing the agreement . They highlighted Congress’ decision in 2022 to explicitly ban Russian energy imports to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine and urged the Administration to immediately reverse course. ###