US Lawmakers Warn Banks, Ports Over Russian Diesel Imports
A bipartisan team of US legislators has cautioned American banks, port authorities, and fuel distributors that importing Russian diesel may lead to legal repercussions and congressional inquiries.
In correspondence to leaders of significant financial entities, ports, and fuel suppliers, the legislators indicated that firms enabling imports contrary to US regulations might incur criminal and civil penalties.
The letters arrived alongside news that Russian diesel shipments were destined for American ports after President Donald Trump issued a waiver this month permitting Moscow to export diesel to worldwide markets, including the US.
The legislators referenced Section 2 of the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022, which mainly forbids the import of energy products from Russia, such as diesel fuel.
These imports are permitted solely after the President certifies to Congress that Russia has stopped all military conflicts in Ukraine and that it does not present an immediate danger to NATO countries.
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The signers consist of Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Roy Wyden, Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Coons, Elizabeth Warren (all Democrats), along with Republican Thom Tillis. Congressman Gregory Meeks, representing New York's 5th congressional district, is a signatory as well.
The correspondence is directed to the CEOs of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, along with the leaders of port authorities in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Beaumont in Texas, as well as those in New York and New Jersey.
The legislators emphasize that importing Russian energy products poses serious national security risks, as the revenue would support Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.
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The lawmakers also require that the recipient company group maintain all documentation associated with any planned or actual importation of diesel from Russia.
According to public reports and vessel-tracking information, the legislators indicated that vessels transporting Russian diesel were expected to arrive in Beaumont and the Port of New York and New Jersey by late October.
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"Allowing Moscow to sell Russian diesel in international markets undermines America's security interests and betrays the Ukrainian people, who are fighting against Russia's deadly, unlawful war," the legislators stated.