US Representative Jamie Raskin (Democrat from Maryland) stated that American companies could face criminal liability for importing diesel fuel from Russia. He made the remarks in an open letter dated October 26, 2026, addressed to the heads of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the US Chamber of Commerce, and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM).
Raskin warned that companies violating the ban could face fines of up to $1 million or prison sentences of up to 20 years. He emphasized that the members of these organizations are “now on notice”: participation in any scheme to supply Russian diesel to the United States constitutes “a clear and dangerous violation of federal law.” “Those who choose to act in this way proceed at their own risk and will undoubtedly be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, whether in this Administration—or the next,” the letter states.
The congressman noted that the license issued by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) (General License No. 135), in connection with the Trump administration’s agreements on Russian diesel supplies, does not override the statutory ban on importing Russian energy resources. This ban was enacted by Congress in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to Raskin, the executive branch’s attempt to circumvent the legislative prohibition does not shield companies from civil and criminal liability. Civil penalties can reach twice the value of the transaction, and the statute of limitations is 10 years.
The letter comes amid criticism from some members of Congress and senators of Trump’s agreements with Russia on diesel fuel supplies to the American and global markets. Raskin, who is the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, pointed out that companies deciding to participate in such supplies remain exposed to prosecution regardless of the current administration.