Trump faces growing backlash over plans to import diesel from Russia
US President Donald Trump is facing criticism from both parties for a deal to import Russian diesel, despite recent sanctions on Russian energy. The administration is suspending specific sanctions to facilitate the fuel imports amid global energy price spikes.
Why it matters
The deal highlights a conflict between domestic economic priorities and foreign policy sanctions, raising questions about the consistency of US international energy strategy.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock Image caption, Global fuel prices have soared since the US-Israel war with Iran began at the end of February
US President Donald Trump is facing a growing backlash over plans to import diesel from Russia as the Iran war continues to impact global energy prices.
Trump on Friday announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately "to the American and global marketplace" followed by several other shipments.
That is despite signing legislation to authorise fresh US sanctions and tariffs on nations that import Russian oil and gas just weeks ago.
The move has been criticised by some Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who believe the deal violates US laws.
As well as the initial release of 300,000 tonnes of diesel, Trump said Russia would then supply 500,000 tonnes in November and one million more after that.
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