The Russian oil exempted by Trump is facing blatant threats from the U.S. Congress.

We take the letter sent to Goldman Sachs as an example to illustrate the specific content of these warnings: October 24, 2026 Mr. David M. Solomon Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Goldman Sachs Group 200 West Street New York, NY 10282 Dear Mr. Solomon, President Trump issued a statement on October 9, 2026, followed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s issuance of General License No. 135. Reports indicate that parties are now arranging for the importation of diesel originating in Russia into the United States under this license. We express deep concern regarding this development and write to you accordingly. Allowing Moscow to freely sell Russian diesel on global markets would harm U.S. national security interests and betray the Ukrainian people who are resisting Russia’s brutal and unlawful war. Moreover, Section 2 of the 2022 ‘Stop Importing Russian Oil Act’ (Public Law 117–109) generally prohibits the importation of energy products originating in Russia—including diesel. The prohibition may be lifted only after the President consults with Congress for a period of time and certifies to Congress that all the following conditions have been met: (1) Russia has ceased its military hostilities against Ukraine; (2) Russia no longer poses a direct military threat to NATO member states; and (3) Russia recognizes the Ukrainian people’s right to choose their own government. U.S. law further stipulates that any licensing measure significantly altering U.S. foreign policy toward the Russian Federation must first undergo congressional review. The current Administration has not fulfilled this requirement, as mandated under Section 216 of the ‘Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act’ (CAATSA, Public Law 115–44). Against this backdrop, any importation of Russian diesel into the United States raises serious legal questions and could expose involved parties to litigation and congressional investigation. Companies importing such products in violation of U.S. law may face criminal and civil liability under Title 18, Section 545, and/or Title 19, Section 1595a, of the U.S. Code. Furthermore, criminal penalties apply not only to the importer of record but also to any company that knowingly purchases such diesel or facilitates its importation. The proposed importation of Russian diesel also raises grave national security concerns, as it would provide financial resources to sustain Russia’s brutal and unlawful war against Ukraine. Therefore, until the statutory requirements outlined above are satisfied, we urge your firm not to facilitate—through procurement, transportation, importation, unloading, storage, financing, or distribution—the importation of diesel originating in Russia into the United States, nor assist in any other transactions involving Russian-origin diesel covered by General License No. 135. To support future congressional oversight of this matter, we require your firm to retain all records related to proposed or actual imports of diesel originating in Russia, as well as records concerning any other proposed or actual transactions involving Russian-origin diesel. Such records include contracts, purchase orders, invoices, shipping documents, bills, vessel and port-call records, terminal or berth reservation records, customs documentation, and payment records. This requirement also covers communications with suppliers, shipping companies, importers, buyers, or other intermediaries involved in the above transactions, as well as any communications with U.S. government officials regarding proposed or actual imports of Russian-origin diesel, beginning September 1, 2026.

Why are U.S. businesses unwilling to buy cheap Russian oil—and even refuse to allow Russian tankers to dock at their ports?

The reason is simple: Trump invoked the ‘Presidential National Interest Waiver’ provision embedded in the ‘2026 Lindsey Graham Sanctions Against Russia and Iran Act’ (the Graham Act) to waive numerous sanctions against Russia—including those targeting diesel. This loophole was originally demanded by Trump himself: he insisted on including presidential waiver authority, threatening to withhold his signature—or even to deliberately under-enforce the law—if it were omitted. Ultimately, Congress acquiesced. The Act also includes exception clauses authorizing the U.S. President to grant conditional sanctions waivers. But here lies the problem: the legislation banning Russian oil imports is not limited to this single act. In 2022, during the Biden administration, Congress passed the ‘Stop Importing Russian Oil Act,’ which prohibits the importation of Russian crude oil, refined petroleum products, LNG, and coal. Crucially, this law contains no presidential waiver authority. Thus, any U.S. company purchasing Russian diesel would violate federal law. Citing standards established under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the statute provides for criminal penalties of up to $1 million in fines and 20 years’ imprisonment. Who would risk going to prison just to buy oil? Members of Congress are closely monitoring the entire country: any company daring to purchase Russian oil faces immediate prosecution. Beyond the constraints imposed by the Biden-era law, U.S. companies also confront reputational risks on the international stage.

NJ Governor Warns Ports Against Russian Diesel Allowed by Trump

22 hours ago

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill warned port operators against accepting Russian diesel shipments authorized by the Trump administration, citing a conflict with a 2022 federal ban on Russian oil products. She threatened legal action to block the fuel from entering state waters.

bloomberg

2026-11-03

NJ Governor Warns Ports Against Russian Diesel Allowed by Trump

2026-11-03

New Jersey Governor Warns Ports Against Accepting Russian Diesel

NJ Governor Warns Ports Against Russian Diesel Allowed by Trump

FAQ