Washington: Russia and the United States are discussing diesel supplies through their energy departments and companies, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday, as US President Donald Trump's plan to import Russian fuel faces criticism from lawmakers in both parties.
Novak said the Russian government had issued a decree allowing diesel exports to global markets, including the United States, following a phone call on Friday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump.
He said Russian diesel supplies could help ease disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz and declining global refining capacity. Russia could export between 3 million and 3.5 million tonnes of diesel a month by the end of 2026, Novak estimated, adding that exports would not affect domestic supplies.
Russia had previously extended restrictions on fuel exports several times. On September 30, the government extended a ban on fuel producers directly exporting diesel, marine fuel and gas oil until October 31. Restrictions on exports by non-producers remain in place until January 31, 2027.
Trump's announcement of a deal with Putin has drawn criticism from Republicans and Democrats, who argue that buying Russian fuel could provide Moscow with revenue to sustain its war against Ukraine, undermine existing US restrictions and bring Washington closer to the Kremlin.
“The harm to the Ukrainians is real,” William Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine and now a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said on Monday. “And the cost to us, the United States, is high.”
It remains unclear whether the deal will significantly increase fuel supplies or lower US prices. Energy experts have said Russian diesel imports are unlikely to bring down prices substantially, which have risen amid disruptions linked to the US war against Iran.
Trump defended the agreement on Monday, saying he welcomed anything that could help American farmers and ranchers. Asked about Republican criticism, he said his critics “can't really be serious.”
A bipartisan group of six senators urged Trump over the weekend to reverse course, arguing that the United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline. Trump instead blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for high US diesel costs and suggested he should step aside.
The deal has also renewed concerns about Trump's approach to the war in Ukraine and his relationship with Putin. Since returning to the White House, Trump has alternated between pressing Kyiv to make concessions and expressing frustration with Moscow's position in negotiations.
Trump also insisted on Monday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire, despite Zelenskyy's statements that Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian energy facilities. Trump said he would examine reports of violations, adding that both sides had breached the agreement.
The proposed diesel deal has raised questions about existing US restrictions on Russian energy imports. Congress overwhelmingly approved legislation in 2022 banning imports of Russian energy products following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
The law allows the president to seek to lift the prohibition under specified conditions, including an agreement to withdraw Russian troops and end military activity, subject to congressional review and acceptance by Ukraine's government.
Representative Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat from Texas who sponsored the legislation, accused Trump of violating the law.
“Trump is directly violating that law,” Doggett said in a statement on Monday, adding that the president was rewarding Putin while blaming Zelenskyy.
Last month, Trump signed a separate Russian sanctions law named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. It authorises tariffs on countries that continue importing Russian oil. Most of the law's provisions are due to take effect on October 18, after a 30-day administration review period, although Trump's new diesel arrangement has raised questions about how the measures will be implemented.
In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week, senators from both parties identified the so-called shadow fleet of tankers used by Russia to transport oil and evade sanctions as an urgent enforcement priority. The letter preceded Trump's announcement of the diesel deal.
The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.
Republican Representative Ashley Hinson, who is contesting a competitive Senate race in Iowa, where diesel prices of $6 a gallon have become an issue, expressed concern about easing restrictions on Moscow.
“It makes me a little bit nervous anytime we're talking about relieving a sanction on Russia,” she said.
The controversy has revived criticism similar to that voiced by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Trump's first term. Almost seven years ago, Pelosi accused the president of pursuing a policy that favoured Putin, amid a dispute over US military aid to Ukraine.
Pelosi led Trump's first impeachment in 2019 over his administration's decision to withhold congressionally approved aid to Ukraine as it faced Russian aggression. The Senate later acquitted him.
Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly shifted his public position on how the war should end. He has at times suggested Ukraine could reclaim territory occupied by Russia, while later urging both countries to stop fighting along their existing positions.
Trump has also expressed frustration with Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, while claiming that his relationship with Putin could help secure an end to the conflict.
The diesel agreement now places those competing priorities under renewed scrutiny, as Washington weighs domestic fuel costs against its commitments to Ukraine and its policy of restricting Russian energy revenues.