U.S. Senators from both parties have called on President Donald Trump to immediately halt a plan to purchase diesel from Russia, citing concerns over the move's legality and its potential violation of an energy ceasefire. The bipartisan group, which includes six members of the Senate, argues that the deal undermines efforts to stabilize energy markets and could strain diplomatic relations.
The request comes as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of continuing to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite Trump’s declaration of an energy ceasefire. Zelenskyy’s claims align with reports from the European Union, which has imposed additional sanctions on Russia’s military industrial complex. The EU announced the addition of nearly 1,600 new sanctions, targeting key figures and entities involved in Russia’s war efforts.
Separately, the U.S. Department of Justice has ordered Trump to cancel remaining taxpayer-funded television advertisements, following widespread criticism of the campaign. A federal judge ruled that the ads, which promote Trump’s re-election bid, violate campaign finance laws. This decision follows growing political pressure ahead of the midterm elections, with several Republican-led states implementing new voting restrictions that mirror Trump’s proposed policies.
The Russian diesel plan has also drawn scrutiny from U.S. Lawmakers, with seven senators from both parties recently stating that the deal may be illegal. They argue that the agreement could violate international sanctions and weaken U.S. Energy security. The Trump administration has not yet responded to the calls for reversal, leaving the future of the plan uncertain.
