US Lawmakers Challenge Trump Administration’s Russian Diesel Deal

Russian diesel imports Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act Richard Blumenthal Donald Trump energy sanctions

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act to nullify a Treasury Department waiver that allows the import of Russian diesel. The legislation aims to render General License 135 ineffective and prevent future waivers for Russian energy products, arguing that such imports violate the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022.

This legislative push follows reports that the Malta-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes is transporting approximately 40,000 metric tons of Russian diesel toward the Port of New York and New Jersey. Senator Richard Blumenthal has formally warned the shipowner, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited, to reverse course to avoid participating in an illegal transaction under existing federal law.

Lawmakers have also issued warnings to major financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, and various port authorities. They cautioned that facilitating these shipments could result in criminal and civil liability, as well as congressional investigations. While the Trump administration issued a waiver intended to lower domestic fuel prices, critics maintain that only Congress has the authority to override the 2022 statutory ban.

Entities

Donald Trump · Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited · JPMorgan Chase · Richard Blumenthal · U.S. Congress · Vladimir Putin

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022 prohibits imports of Russian-origin petroleum products. ohridsky.com · gcaptain.com · www.gg2.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lawmakers sent warning letters to the CEOs of six major banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. www.gg2.net
[● 3 SOURCES] The proposed bill seeks to nullify Treasury Department General License 135. bhaskarlive.in · morungexpress.com · gulfnews.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The Agioi Fanendes tanker is carrying 40,000 metric tons of Russian diesel. ohridsky.com · wojna.co.pl · gcaptain.com · plusinfo.mk · www.index.hr
[● 5 SOURCES] Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited demanding the vessel reverse course. ohridsky.com · wojna.co.pl · gcaptain.com · plusinfo.mk · www.index.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] The tanker Agioi Fanendes was reportedly heading for the Port of New York and New Jersey. wojna.co.pl · gcaptain.com · www.gg2.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Russia has extended its diesel export ban until the end of the year. www.notizie.it
[● 3 SOURCES] A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act. bhaskarlive.in · morungexpress.com · gulfnews.com