America Must Not Shift from Supporting Ukraine to Rewarding Russia

As your constituent, I oppose President Trump’s decision to permit Russian diesel transactions after years of American support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. Congress should seek reversal of this sanctions relief and investigate whether it signals a broader change in U.S. foreign policy. AMERICA ONCE HELPED UKRAINE RESIST RUSSIA’S INVASION The United States supplied weapons to Ukraine and restricted business dealings with Russia to raise the economic cost of its war. Those measures reflected a clear principle: an invading government should not be rewarded while its victim fights for independence. NOW WASHINGTON IS EASING PRESSURE ON THE INVADER On October 9, Treasury issued General License 135, allowing certain sales, deliveries, unloading and imports of Russian diesel through April 7, 2027 that sanctions would otherwise restrict. It is limited permission, not an end to all Russian sanctions. But permitted sales could generate revenue for Russian suppliers while the war continues. THE SIGNAL TO UKRAINE, OUR ALLIES AND PUTIN IS TROUBLING The symbolism reaches far beyond fuel prices. Ukrainians who relied on American help, European allies coordinating pressure on Moscow, and Russian leaders will all look for what this change means. Sanctions lose force if Moscow expects them to ease without ending its aggression. The Financial Times reports that Washington also urged Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil refineries. Axios reports a dispute over whether U.S. officials threatened intelligence-sharing restrictions. Ukraine says those strikes weaken Russia’s war effort. These reports deepen the question: Is the diesel deal an isolated price measure or part of a wider accommodation of Moscow? UNCERTAIN PRICE RELIEF DOES NOT SETTLE THE POLICY QUESTION American families and businesses need affordable fuel. Yet analysts question how much lasting relief this deal will provide. Any potential savings must be weighed against possible Russian revenue and the cost to America’s credibility. Congress should not leave the direction of U.S. policy unexplained. I urge you to act: (1) REVERSE THE DECISION. Urge Treasury to cancel its new authorization for Russian diesel transactions and restore the previous sanctions restrictions. (2) EXAMINE U.S. POLICY. Seek hearings and a written explanation of whether further sanctions relief is planned, what was agreed with Putin, and whether Ukraine and allies were consulted. (3) PROTECT SANCTIONS. Support legislation restricting further Russian energy exemptions absent verifiable progress toward ending the invasion. (4) SUPPORT UKRAINE. Sustain assistance for Ukraine’s defense and oversight of U.S. commitments to its security. Thank you.