US lawmakers challenge legality of Trump's Russian oil import deal

Seven US senators from both parties issued a joint statement on Sunday challenging the legal basis for President Trump's announced agreement to import 300,000 tons of Russian diesel into the United States and global markets. The arrangement was announced Friday following a telephone conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, and Ron Wyden, all Democrats, joined Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, and John Curtis in objecting to the move. "Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin's brutal war against Ukraine," the senators stated. "President Trump's decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the US runs directly counter to that law."

The 2022 congressional ban was enacted as part of broader sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. By preventing the flow of American capital to Russian energy sectors, lawmakers sought to limit Moscow's ability to fund military operations in the neighbouring country.

The senators' challenge represents a rare instance of bipartisan concern regarding the Trump administration's policy shift on Russian energy trade. The move comes weeks after Congress had previously voted overwhelmingly to maintain restrictions on Russian oil and gas imports.