Texas Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined 11 bipartisan senators in criticizing President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel fuel, arguing the move undermines U.S. national security and helps finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Last week, President Trump paused sanctions on Russian diesel fuel as part of an agreement with President Vladimir Putin to allow Russian diesel to be sold more freely on global markets. The decision comes as rising gas prices remain a key concern for voters with the midterm elections just a few weeks away.
Following the announcement, a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter urging Trump to reverse the decision.
“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,” the senators wrote, noting that Ukrainians “continue to defend themselves from Putin’s murderous, illegal war.”
The senators argued that easing the restrictions would provide Russia with additional revenue to sustain its invasion of Ukraine.
“This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded,” the senators wrote.
Sen. Cornyn subsequently announced his support for the senators’ effort, echoing their concerns in a post on X.
“Allowing Russian diesel fuel to be sold freely in global markets, including in the United States, weakens American security interests and helps fund Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine,” Cornyn said. “We must maintain economic pressure to keep our negotiating position strong and protect vital U.S. national security interests.”
Last month, Congress passed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which authorizes additional sanctions targeting Russia and those supporting its war effort. Trump signed the legislation into law shortly after its passage.
The senators are now urging the president to use the law’s sanctions provisions to increase economic pressure on Moscow and countries they say are helping sustain the conflict.
“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 wrote.
