Three US Democratic senators have condemned the Donald Trump administration’s temporary authorisation of certain transactions involving Russian-sourced diesel fuel. In their view, this weakens the pressure on the Kremlin and could provide Russia with additional funds to continue its full-scale war against Ukraine. The decision has also drawn criticism from one Republican.
Briefly about the main points
- Shagin, Shumer and Warren condemned the Trump administration’s decision on fuel.
- The Democrats believe that it could increase Russia’s energy revenues.
- OFAC issued General Licence No. 135 on 9 October.
- The licence covers the sale, delivery, unloading and import of diesel.
- Republican Congressman Don Bacon also called for tougher sanctions.
The Democrats described the decision as a step back from putting pressure on the Kremlin
The joint statement was signed by the leading Democrat on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Jin Shagin, leader of the Democratic minority Chuck Schumer and a leading Democrat on the Banking Committee Elizabeth Warren. The document was published on 9 October on the website of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
The senators stated that authorising the purchase of Russian diesel fuel runs counter to the interests of the United States and its allies. In their statement, they described this as «a complete betrayal of Ukraine, our European allies and US national security».
According to the authors of the statement, the decision opens the way for Moscow the opportunity to generate new revenue from the export of energy resources during the war against Ukraine. At the same time, this is the position of three Democratic senators, rather than an official decision by the entire Senate.
The Democrats have linked the fuel crisis to the US war against Iran
Shagin, Shumer and Warren attributed the rise in fuel prices to The US and the war against Iran, which, in their view, has led to disruptions in the supply of oil and petroleum products. They believe that the administration is attempting to mitigate the consequences of this situation through agreements with Russia, rather than through cooperation with European partners.
According to Reuters, on 8 October the average price of diesel fuel in the US reached $6.28 per gallon, approaching record levels. The administration expects that additional supplies will ease the price pressure on farmers, transport companies and other sectors that use diesel.
The criticism centred on the sanctions policy and the White House’s actions
The Democrats stated that easing the restrictions runs counter to Congress’s recent moves to cut into Russia’s energy revenues. According to them, lawmakers approved measures just a few weeks ago aimed at restricting funding for the Russian war machine.
Senators called on the president to end the war against Iran and to tighten sanctions against Moscow. They also linked the decision to domestic political pressure over high fuel prices in the run-up to the mid-term congressional elections.
A Republican Member of Congress also voiced criticism Don Bacon. He called for new sanctions to be imposed on Russia rather than for the existing restrictions to be eased.
The OFAC licence sets out the limits on transactions and does not lift the sanctions entirely
9 October Trump announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin regarding the increase in diesel supplies. According to the US President, Russia is to deliver over 300,000 tonnes in the near future, 500,000 tonnes in November and a further million tonnes at a later date.
On the same day, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General Licence No. 135. It permits certain transactions involving the sale, delivery, unloading and import of diesel fuel of Russian origin until 7 April 2027. The document does not signify the complete lifting of US sanctions against Russia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy He had previously stated that easing the restrictions would provide Russia with additional resources for the war. Energy analysts doubt that the announced supplies will lead to a sustained fall in global prices, and as of 10 October, the administration’s decision remains in force.
