A diverse coalition of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle has issued a stern plea to President Donald Trump, urging him to adhere strictly to a recently enacted Russia sanctions law and to abandon a controversial diesel deal with Russia. The group, led by Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.), expressed their concerns in a letter that highlighted the pressing need for robust action as a critical enforcement deadline looms.

The letter, which was shared first with POLITICO, calls for the full implementation of the sanctions law, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, by October 18. It also seeks the termination of the Trump administration’s deal to import Russian diesel, arguing that such agreements offer economic relief to Moscow at a time when it continues its aggressive military campaign against Ukraine.

“As Russia prepares to wage a fifth winter campaign against Ukraine, the United States has an opportunity to reinvigorate peace efforts by placing maximum pressure on Vladimir Putin and the governments and networks that finance his war,” the lawmakers wrote. They urged the administration to apply the sanctions “to their fullest extent and without delay,” targeting not only Russian officials and oligarchs but also the foreign banks and shadow operators aiding Russia in circumventing international restrictions.

The bipartisan appeal includes notable Republican figures such as Reps. Don Bacon (Neb.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Michael McCaul (Texas), Dan Newhouse (Wash.), and Joe Wilson (S.C.), alongside Democrats like Reps. Steny Hoyer (Md.), Marcy Kaptur (Ohio), and Jared Golden (Maine).

This collective action underscores growing bipartisan discontent with Trump's recent decision to allow hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel into the “American and Global Marketplace.” The lawmakers also requested detailed information on the specific sanctions and tariffs set to be enforced by October 18, questioning any potential delays or waivers and seeking clarity on how the diesel deal aligns with existing bans on Russian energy imports.

In their correspondence, the legislators emphasized that historical evidence shows Putin responds only to pressure, not diplomatic gestures. “This will make clear that American resolve is bipartisan and durable, and that the cost of continuing this war will only grow until Russia comes to the negotiating table,” they stated.

While the White House, State Department, and Treasury Department have yet to respond, President Trump defended the diesel deal as “a deal for the world,” suggesting that the diesel would not be directly supplied to the U.S. but rather enter global markets. This move is seen as part of Trump's strategy to mitigate soaring fuel prices ahead of the midterms, with diesel prices hitting a record high due to ongoing global conflicts.

As the October 18 deadline approaches, the world watches closely to see how the U.S. will balance domestic economic pressures with its geopolitical stance against Russian aggression.