Collins and six senators call Russian diesel imports contrary to law
Susan CollinsU.S. senator from Maine, signing a joint statement with six senators
In a joint statement, Collins and six other senators say the diesel decision conflicts with the 2022 law and call for its reversal.
“President Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law. The Administration has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute.”
Official statement
Where this statement fits
Should the U.S. lift sanctions on Russian diesel to bring down fuel prices?
On October 9, 2026, President Donald Trump said that after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia would supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately and up to 4.8 million tons in all to the American and global markets, and that diesel prices would come down. The same day, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General License 135, which authorizes the sale, delivery and importation of Russian-origin diesel until April 7, 2027. The U.S. has not imported Russian oil or gas since 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said easing sanctions without a de-escalation agreement plays into Russia's hands, and lawmakers in both parties said the arrangement would fund Russia's war in Ukraine. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said he would introduce a bill to block all purchases of Russian oil and force a vote by discharge petition. The dispute is over whether the U.S. should ease sanctions on Russian diesel to lower fuel prices.
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
Original public statement or recording about the Russian diesel agreement.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
The statement was issued jointly with Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Lisa Murkowski, Ron Wyden, Thom Tillis and John Curtis.
After the quotation
The senators say the United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians, and call on the administration to reverse course.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The matter under scrutiny is easing sanctions to allow Russian diesel imports. The speaker criticizes or seeks reversal of that decision.
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The Dispute Index. "Collins and six senators call Russian diesel imports contrary to law". First published: 2026-10-24. Last updated: 2026-10-24. https://disputeindex.com/events/6658-in-a-joint-statement-collins-and-six-other