Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) shared a letter he wrote to the managing director of the Greek shipping company, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED). He posted it on Wednesday and added: “I’m sending a sledgehammer message to shipping companies whose tankers are transporting illegal Russian diesel to our ports. Reverse course while there’s still time.”
[NOTE: Blumenthal also sent a letter to PetroVietnam concerning its tanker PVT Azura, which was carrying Russian diesel toward Norfolk, Virginia.]
The tankers are carrying the first cargoes under the October 9 diesel deal between President Trump and Vladimir Putin. Trump wrote on Truth Social then: “I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace.”
I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter. Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel. Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST! Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority. This is a very big and important announcement. Additionally, it must be understood, that Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP
( TS: Oct 9 2026, 2:46 PM ET )
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) October 9, 2026
In his letter to EASTMED’s managing director, Athanasios Martinos, Blumenthal wrote: “The President may have given a license to facilitate this transaction, but only Congress can make it legally valid.”
He added: “No such license can supersede clear, unambiguous law.”
The law the senator cites is the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022. He set an October 31 deadline for the company to name the cargo’s seller, buyer, insurer and distributor, and to say whether any federal agency instructed it.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the arrangement on October 11: “The Europeans have given the Russians more money since the start of this war than they have given the Ukrainians.”
HOLY CRAP! Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent just MIC DROPPED every critic of President Trump’s Russian diesel surge deal
“The EUROPEANS have given the Russians more money since the start of this war than they have given the Ukrainians!”
“So for THEM to say that we cannot have a respite in diesel pricing is COMPLETELY HYPOCRITICAL.”
Europe spent years funding Putin with energy purchases, and now they’re lecturing America about one diesel deal…NOT GONNA FLY
Iran tried to block the world from fuel, and President Trump went around them easily!
Lower prices on the way. No apologies.
Zelensky should step down. https://t.co/5SK3fddHaH
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 11, 2026
Trump said of the diesel: “That’s a diesel deal not for us. That’s being released into the world.”
A bipartisan group of senators, including Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), wrote to Trump: “This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded.”
They wrote: “Putin is a tyrant. Withdraw from this agreement, rescind General License No. 135.”
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said of the senators’ opposition: “It is certainly surprising to see the stance taken by Democrats.”
A former Treasury sanctions official, Jeremy Paner of Hughes Hubbard & Reed, responded: “The president certainly has the authority in this case to provide the authorization.” He added: “A license does not get rid of a prohibition. It’s simply allowed.”
He said: “I’m confident that Congress is going to investigate on the U.S. side.”
[NOTE: The Agioi Fanendes, carrying about 40,000 metric tons, previously listed the Port of New York and New Jersey as its destination, with a projected November 7 arrival. Its discharge port has since become uncertain.]