Russian diesel deal - USA needs a new president, not Ukraine

I urge you to oppose the Trump administration’s proposed purchase and import of Russian diesel and press it to revoke the temporary sanctions license permitting Russian-origin diesel to enter global markets through April 7, 2027. On October 9, President Trump announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply diesel to the United States and other markets. The Treasury Department then authorized its sale, delivery, and import, reversing years of sanctions imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Yet the public still lacks basic information: who will buy the fuel, how much Russia will be paid, and what—if anything—Moscow has conceded in return. It is outrageous and deeply hypocritical for the administration to blame Ukraine for rising energy costs while pursuing a deal that rewards Russia and weakens sanctions. The price pressures are far more connected to the administration’s war on Iran than to Ukraine’s actions. And the administration’s own price-relief argument is shaky: the Associated Press reports that the exports are relatively small and unlikely to significantly lower prices, while the revenue would help Moscow replenish its war coffers. Americans should not be asked to accept a strategic gift to Putin in exchange for uncertain savings at the pump. The administration has also reportedly pressed Ukraine to stop striking Russian refineries without demanding that Russia stop attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine would halt its strikes if Russia did the same. Any energy ceasefire must be reciprocal and verifiable—not a pretext for sanctions relief and one-sided demands on Ukraine. Please oppose federal purchases of Russian diesel, demand public disclosure of the agreement’s terms, and support legislation preventing the waiver from being extended. Require evidence that the fuel will materially lower U.S. prices and that Russia’s proceeds will not support its war effort. I also urge you to support an independent investigation into whether politically connected donors or businesses tied to administration officials could benefit from Russian energy deals. Recent reporting describes a proposed multibillion-dollar transaction involving Lukoil’s overseas assets and a consortium led by Trump donor Todd Boehly, alongside Middle Eastern investors reported to have business ties to the families of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. While reporting has not established that either envoy or Mr. Boehly would personally profit from the diesel deal; the Trump administration's rampant corruption and influence-peddling makes independent scrutiny and full disclosure necessary. Seek records of the diesel arrangement and any related Lukoil negotiations, identify the parties and their financial interests, and ensure public policy serves the national interest—not private gain or the Kremlin.