Senators accuse Trump of “treason” and call for him to withdraw from the diesel deal with Putin

In the USA, senators from the ruling Republicans and the opposition Democrats have demanded that US President Donald Trump withdraw from his diesel deal with Russia. The twelve parliamentarians, including six Republicans, called on Trump on Tuesday to reverse the agreement with Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin and spoke of “treason” against Ukraine.

“Allowing Moscow to freely sell Russian diesel on the global market harms U.S. security interests and is a betrayal of the people of Ukraine as they continue to defend themselves against Putin’s murderous war that violates international law,” said a letter initiated by Democrat Richard Blumenthal. "This agreement is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal to our ally; it should be withdrawn."

With the controversial diesel deal, the US President ignored the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West and the US. In the congressional elections on November 3rd, his Republicans are under pressure because of the increased cost of living and especially the high fuel prices as a result of the Iran war.

“Putin is a tyrant”

The senators also called for a rapid reduction in energy costs. In their opinion, Russian diesel deliveries will have little impact on prices. Instead, the agreement will provide the Kremlin with additional revenue to continue financing the Russian war of aggression that has been going on for more than four and a half years. “Putin is a tyrant,” the senators wrote. Trump should instead strive for an agreement that guarantees Ukraine's sovereignty and security.

Among the Republicans who signed the letter are former Senate leader Mitch McConnell and other prominent senators.