During the discussion, Democratic Senator Chris Coons criticized the administration's decision to ease sanctions against Russia. According to him, such actions have already brought benefits to Moscow and Tehran, and the change in the government’s position caused disappointment.
“We shouldn't finance war. [нелегитимного президента России Владимира] Putin in Ukraine,” Koons emphasized.
In response, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that the decision was temporary and was influenced by international circumstances.
“I thought we wouldn't do this, but I've been approached by more than 10 of the most vulnerable and energy poor countries and they've asked us to extend this sanctions relief, and it's only in effect for 30 days,” Bessent said.
However, Coons emphasized that even short-term easing has a significant price.
“30 days is $4.5 billion for Putin’s military machine,” the senator emphasized.
Context
On April 14, Politico reported that the United States allegedly renewed oil sanctions against the aggressor country Russia. The publication also noted that the return of sanctions is a step that will please Ukraine’s partners, however, “Russia still has many ways to circumvent these sanctions.”
On April 16, Bessent also confirmed during a White House briefing that the United States does not plan to continue sanctions exemptions that allowed limited sales of Russian and Iranian oil.
On April 17, the administration of US President Donald Trump extended the exemption from sanctions by 30 days, allowing countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products loaded on ships, starting from Friday, April 17 to May 16.
On April 18, Democratic senators criticized the White House's actions, calling the decision “disgraceful” and a “sharp reversal” of policy amid new Russian attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna called on the Trump administration to renew sanctions against Russian oil.
