Not an economic lifeline, energy secretary defends waiving sanctions on Russia
Trump pauses new sanctions
Trump signed an executive order late Friday waiving new sanctions and tariffs that were due to take effect two days later. The economic measures were required by a bill named for the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, which Trump signed one month earlier.
Wright argued that Russia would benefit only if it exported diesel, which could require reduced domestic use, a smaller war effort or refinery repairs. He said Russia could repair refineries only through a peace agreement with Ukraine, an energy ceasefire or another step toward peace.
Zelenskyy criticizes decision
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Trump’s decision “wrong” and said it helped only Russia. Darline Graham said she would personally keep pressure on Russia to end the war and lower gas prices, adding that she did not trust Putin or Russia.
Trump’s order came a week after he announced a deal for the United States to eventually import millions of tons of Russian diesel. The plan has drawn bipartisan backlash from lawmakers, while a 2022 law explicitly bars U.S. imports of Russian energy.
Fuel costs fuel debate
Domestic diesel prices remain above $6 a gallon on average. Zelenskyy described the proposed deal as a “birthday gift” to Putin and said global fuel prices were rising because of the war in the Middle East.
Trump has also criticized Zelenskyy over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, saying they were pushing prices higher. In an interview on “This Week,” Zelenskyy disputed that explanation and pointed to the Middle East conflict.
Wright addresses public concerns
Wright said the Trump administration had imposed stronger sanctions on Russia than any previous sanctions, and argued that casualties had not ended the war. He said Trump would continue trying to stop the conflict rather than give up.
Wright acknowledged frustration over higher gasoline and diesel costs, saying the administration was pursuing different ways to address them. He also blamed Democrats for policies that, he said, had made energy more expensive.
Key points
- Trump waived new Russia sanctions and tariffs shortly before they were due to take effect.
- Wright said the waiver was not an economic lifeline for Russia.
- Zelenskyy criticized the decision as beneficial to Russia.
- The Russian diesel import plan has drawn bipartisan backlash as domestic diesel averages above $6 a gallon.