Seven US lawmakers have taken the fight over Russian diesel to the companies that would have to handle it. In an October 24 letter to Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, six Democrats and Republican Thom Tillis urged the bank to block imports of Russian-origin diesel into the United States and to preserve records related to any such transactions.
The Legal Warning
Congress banned imports of Russian energy products in 2022. The lawmakers argue that the ban cannot be lifted unless the president certifies to Congress that Russia has ended its war, no longer threatens NATO, and respects Ukrainians’ right to choose their own government. They also say the administration failed to submit a substantial change in Russia sanctions policy for the congressional review required by law.
That puts businesses in a dangerous position. The letter warns that potential criminal liability, including under smuggling law, may extend beyond the importer of record. Anyone who knowingly buys, finances, transports, or stores the diesel could be exposed. A Treasury licence is no comfort if Congress’s import ban still applies.
The Entire Supply Chain
The lawmakers want Goldman out of any deal involving the purchase, financing, transport, unloading, storage, or distribution of Russian diesel. Their warning is aimed at the practical machinery of an import. The company named on customs paperwork is involved. Journalist Alex Raufoglu reports that other US banks, fuel distributors, and port authorities have received similar letters.
Congress cannot simply cancel Treasury’s licence by sending a letter. But banks can refuse financing, distributors can refuse cargoes, and ports can decline to help move them. The lawmakers are making clear that participation could bring scrutiny and legal risk long after a shipment has been unloaded.
Freely selling Russian diesel brings Moscow revenue while it wages war on Ukraine.
Their national-security argument is equally direct: the administration opened a route for that trade, and members of Congress are now warning the firms needed to carry it out that a licence does not erase the law.