Twelve US senators from both major political parties have sent an official letter to President Donald Trump with a harsh demand to immediately cancel the scandalous agreement with the Russian leadership. The catalyst for this sharp reaction from American lawmakers was the conclusion of a deal allowing Moscow to freely sell diesel fuel on global markets. According to the authors of the appeal, such a step by the White House inflicts direct and tangible damage on the national security of the United States, while also undermining international partners' trust in Washington.
Essence of the conflict and the senators' position
The initiative united an equal number of representatives from both parties: signatures on the document were placed by six Democrats, including Richard Blumenthal and Chris Coons, as well as six Republicans, notably Susan Collins and Mitch McConnell. The lawmakers characterized the reached agreements as a direct gift to a geopolitical adversary and an open betrayal of the interests of the Ukrainian people fighting for their independence. In their letter, they emphasize the unacceptability of easing sanctions pressure amid the ongoing armed conflict in Eastern Europe and insist on the immediate withdrawal of General License No. 135.
Demands for tough sanctions and pressure on enablers
In addition to canceling the diesel deal, the bipartisan group of senators urges the head of the White House to immediately deploy the full range of economic restrictions provided for by the recently adopted Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026. According to the authors of the initiative, Washington must use economic pressure mechanisms not only against Moscow, but also regarding the main enablers of its military campaign, particularly China. The authors are confident that such measures will strengthen the negotiation position of the United States and contribute to the swift achievement of a just peace based on respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic values.
Contradictory data
While a group of US senators insists on an immediate break of the agreements and sees them as a security threat, official representatives of the US presidential administration initially stated that this measure was aimed at stabilizing global energy markets and preventing sharp spikes in fuel prices. Critics of the agreement, however, completely reject these arguments, pointing out that the economic benefit for the Kremlin significantly outweighs any short-term stabilizing effects for consumers within the States. Different assessments also concern the extent of the general license's impact on the overall revenues of the Russian budget from energy exports.
Consequences for international policy
The current situation has already led to serious discussions within the American establishment regarding the further conduct of foreign policy and the fulfillment of allied obligations. Experts note that the open démarche of the twelve senators demonstrates deep disagreements over the Ukrainian settlement even within the Republican camp. Future developments largely depend on whether the White House is ready to make concessions to the bipartisan coalition in Congress or will continue to insist on building a new energy architecture taking into account global economic risks.
