President Donald Trump is defending his decision to temporarily relax restrictions on Russian diesel fuel imports, a move that has sparked bipartisan criticism. Trump cited his ‘America First’ policy and accused the media of ignoring EU energy purchases from Russia.
Lawmakers from both parties, including several Republicans, have voiced opposition, arguing the decision could financially aid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed disapproval, stating the move benefits Russia.
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President Donald Trump has staunchly defended his administration's recent decision to temporarily ease restrictions on Russian diesel fuel exports. The move has faced significant bipartisan criticism, but Trump took to Truth Social on Monday to assert his stance.
"I made the right choice for the American People — ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST!" Trump declared on his social media platform. He also accused the media of hypocrisy, suggesting they were ignoring past purchases of Russian energy by the European Union, which he claimed paid Russia $250 billion for energy since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
While the exact figure varies, estimates do suggest substantial EU spending on Russian fossil fuels. The European Commission is actively pursuing a plan to reduce its reliance on Russian energy.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media as he departs the White House on the South Lawn on October 10, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Aaron Schwartz | Getty Images
The decision has drawn sharp rebukes from lawmakers of both parties. Several congressional Republicans have urged Trump to maintain the U.S. ban on Russian energy imports until Russian President Vladimir Putin ceases the war in Ukraine. A joint statement from seven senators, including four Republicans, emphasized that the U.S. should not provide Russia with financial support while it continues its military actions.
Representative Michael McCaul, R-Texas, expressed concern that lifting sanctions on Russian oil could inadvertently fund Russia's war efforts. "While I understand the desire to bring down diesel prices, I am concerned the lifting of sanctions on Russian oil will only fund the Kremlin's war machine—emboldening more violence and destruction, as we have seen in recent days," he stated.
Trump's administration argues that the deal, coordinated with Putin, aims to lower soaring diesel prices, a move that could be politically beneficial ahead of upcoming midterm elections amid widespread economic dissatisfaction. However, some analysts are skeptical about the policy's potential impact on prices.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also voiced his concerns, stating that the U.S. easing sanctions on Moscow "plays into Russia's hands."
