New Jersey governor warns ports against importing Russian diesel
Sherrill said importing Russian diesel could bring serious civil and criminal penalties, and accused Trump of backing Putin at America's expense.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill warned port and terminal operators on Monday that importing Russian diesel could violate federal law, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.
Sherrill announced the letter in a post on the social media platform X.
The letter put operators on notice that such imports could carry serious civil and criminal consequences.
"Instead of lowering costs, these imports help finance Putin's war against Ukraine," Sherrill said.
Sherrill also accused President Donald Trump of supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin at the expense of American interests, arguing that the imports could help fund Moscow's military campaign and add to rising security threats.
She said the state would not allow its ports to facilitate imports that could financially benefit Russia while its war against Ukraine continues.
"As a Navy veteran, I cannot let that stand unchallenged," Sherrill said.
"Our ports must not be complicit," she added.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the United States and its allies have since imposed sanctions on Russian energy exports.
Federal sanctions restrict dealings with certain Russian entities, and companies that break those rules can face civil and criminal penalties.
The source did not specify which companies or shipments the letter referred to.