Trump suspends Russia sanctions, including diesel waiver, amid criticism
U. S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended President Donald Trump's waiver of sanctions on Russian diesel on 18 October, saying it was intended to pressure Moscow to end its war in Ukraine.
President Trump had earlier signed an executive order suspending a bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia's oil and gas buyers; the White House said the move temporarily lifted restrictions on Russian diesel imports to ease consumer prices. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned the agreement could open the door to broader energy ties with Russia, and Republican and Democratic lawmakers argued the step undermined pressure on Moscow. The waiver was enacted under the Graham Act, and senators and House members called for its reversal.