A bipartisan group in the US Congress has moved to deter purchases of Russian diesel after the Trump administration eased restrictions on the fuel. Lawmakers argue that the transactions could generate additional revenue for Moscow while its war against Ukraine continues. Radio Svoboda reported the dispute on Thursday, October 29.

Letters sent on October 27 asked major US banks, port authorities and distributors not to finance, transport, unload, store or market diesel of Russian origin until legal requirements are satisfied. Recipients were also told to preserve contracts, payment records, shipping documents and government correspondence dating from September 1 for possible congressional scrutiny.

The lawmakers contend that the Treasury Department’s General License 135 conflicts with a 2022 statute barring Russian energy imports and may also have required congressional review. Their warnings cite possible lawsuits, investigations and civil or criminal exposure. The White House rejected the criticism as politically motivated and maintained that the administration acted within its authority.

Representatives from both parties have also introduced legislation to revoke the October 9 authorization and block future exemptions for Russian energy imports. The measure, which includes provisions intended to protect intelligence support for Ukraine, has been referred to three House committees.