In a direct response to President Donald Trump’s recent decision to relax sanctions on Russian diesel and establish a supply agreement for the U.S. and global markets, members of Congress are drafting a bipartisan bill to block any purchases of Russian oil. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick announced that the proposed legislation, named the “Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act,” will be expedited for consideration in a special session, where it is expected to pass with a significant majority.
Republican Congressman Don Bacon expressed his support for the bill, calling Trump’s decision a serious mistake. He emphasized that it appears to be a concession to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he described as a dictator and war criminal. “We must stand with Ukraine, a democracy under attack, and not support the Russian economy and military by allowing the purchase of Russian diesel,” he stated.
Bacon recalled that just a year ago, Trump criticized Europeans for buying Russian gas and labeled the President’s current strategy towards Russia and Ukraine as a failure. He interpreted Trump’s actions as an attempt to lower diesel prices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, expressing disappointment in the administration’s approach. Bacon also expressed a desire for Trump to demonstrate a stronger moral compass and take actions that align with ethical standards rather than transactional decisions.
Furthermore, Bacon stated, “We must show Congress stands with Ukraine, not Russia. It’s time to put the President in an uncomfortable position. His actions are a disgrace to our country, and I have no fear in saying that.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, also criticized Trump’s decision as disgraceful, asserting that it makes the United States complicit in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Senate Democrats characterized the decision as a complete betrayal of Ukraine, its European allies, and American national security.
On October 9, Trump spoke with Putin, subsequently announcing an agreement for the supply of Russian diesel to the U.S. and global markets. According to the OFAC’s temporary general license, this agreement is set to remain in effect until April 7, 2027. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the deal as an “investment in war” and highlighted that easing sanctions without a clear and lasting agreement for de-escalation is a clear weakness.
The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Florida on the same date to discuss ending the war or, at the very least, achieving a ceasefire. Zelensky indicated that a potential first step could be to halt strikes on energy facilities. Although the discussions were intended to last two days, reports emerged suggesting that the second day was canceled, with the Ukrainian team already returning home.
Following the easing of sanctions by Trump, Financial Times reported on October 10 that officials from his administration have intensified pressure on Ukraine, urging it to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries and threatening to halt intelligence exchanges if Ukraine does not comply.
On the same day, Trump accused Zelensky of prolonging the war and suggested that “it is time for Ukraine to get a new president.” Kirill Dmitriev, a negotiator for Putin, deemed Trump’s statement as “significant and historic.”
