U.S. Lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi Criticizes Russian Diesel Deal Amid Controversy
U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemns Trumps Russian diesel deal, raising concerns over its implications for Ukraine and American consumers.
Washington, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, of Indian descent, has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to purchase diesel from Russia. His comments come as the deadline for a significant U.S. law regarding sanctions on Russia approaches, which could impose heavy tariffs on major Russian oil buyers like India and China.
In a post on Wednesday, Krishnamoorthi stated, “Trump has initiated an illegal war against Iran, which has driven up fuel prices. Now, he is benefiting Putin by entering into a diesel agreement, all while pressuring for attacks on Russian oil facilities in Ukraine to cease.” He warned that this deal would provide Putin with billions, lead to increased Russian assaults on Ukraine, and ultimately burden American consumers.
In a subsequent message, he argued that the agreement would financially support Putin’s war machine without offering significant relief to U.S. consumers. “This is illegal, ineffective, and does not present an alternative to ending Trump’s war with Iran,” he added.
Responding to these accusations, Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for investment and economic cooperation from Russia, defended the agreement. He emphasized that leaders who prioritize the welfare of their citizens seek affordable diesel, gas, and oil from any source, including Russia. Dmitriev also criticized The Economist for failing to report a 5% drop in diesel prices following the agreement, which he claimed benefitted American farmers and consumers.
However, he did not clarify how he arrived at this figure or the time frame for the price decrease. Opposition is growing in Congress regarding the deal. Connecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, along with twelve colleagues, is demanding that Trump rescind what he calls the “devastating Russian diesel deal,” asserting it betrays both U.S. security interests and the brave Ukrainians fighting against Putin.
Representative James Clyburn from South Carolina labeled the decision a “mistake,” noting that easing restrictions on Russian diesel would minimally affect U.S. fuel prices but significantly aid Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine. Arizona Representative Greg Stanton suggested the plan may be illegal and would fail to reduce prices, accusing it of funneling billions to Russia.
California Representative Mike Levin described the deal as a lifeline for Russia’s war machine, citing a New York Times report suggesting that around four billion dollars of American funds could flow into Russia’s economy as a result of the agreement.
On Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued General License 135, permitting certain transactions related to Russian diesel until April 2027. This controversy unfolds as the deadline for the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026” approaches on October 18. According to Section 113 of the law, the president can impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from countries that are among the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, should they continue new purchases after the deadline. However, the president can waive these tariffs if it is certified as being in the national interest of the U.S.
