Yuri Kobzar8:42 PM, October 11, 2026

Since 2022, the United States has had a legislative ban on the purchase of Russian oil.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s diesel deal likely violates U.S. law, Republican Senator Thom Tillis stated in an interview with NBC News .

“I believe there is a strong case to be made that the president is not following the law,” Tillis said.

As NBC News notes, following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Senate unanimously passed a law banning Russian oil imports, which remains in effect.

When a reporter asked the senator what the Senate could do if it found Trump was breaking the law, Tillis mentioned Congress’s talks on additional government funding.

“If the president wants my support, which I think he should have to fund military operations and annual funding above the baseline, I think the president needs to understand that this is a problem, and I’m not the only Republican who is concerned about this,” he said.

The senator also pointed out Russia’s ties to Iran, which means the diesel deal could potentially finance strikes against US troops.

Diesel deal under fire

As UNIAN reported, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who just a few years ago was considered an ardent Trump supporter, sharply criticized the diesel agreement between the US and Russia . He called the agreement “disgusting” and described Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy as pointless.

We also reported that the US Congress is preparing a bipartisan bill, the “Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act,” which would ban the purchase of Russian oil. Congressman Don Bacon sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to purchase Russian diesel fuel, calling it a sign of weakness and a mistake.

(C)UNIAN 2026