Catch up quickly: On Friday evening, Trump lifted new sanctions on Russia and tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy that would have taken effect under the bipartisan Graham Act he signed last month.
- It came just days after the administration lifted some sanctions as part of a deal to allow increased exports of Russian diesel, as high prices became a political obstacle for Republicans.
Driving the news: Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that Russia could only benefit from the diesel deal if it reduces its war with Ukraine enough to increase exports.
- “It’s a carrot to try to end a war. It’s not an economic lifeline for Russia,” he said.
- Yet Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a different explanation Saturday, saying Russia would have sold the diesel regardless of Trump’s intervention.
- “This diesel was going to be sold one way or another,” Rubio told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, according to a State Department transcript.
The diesel deal “is an incentive for Russia, that if they can reduce the conflict with Ukraine, if they can get an energy ceasefire or reduce the conflict so that they have diesel to export, we will allow it to flow into world markets,” Wright told ABC’s “This Week.”
Context: Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have significantly hampered Russian diesel exports.
- Ukraine resumed these strikes after Russia continued to hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, despite Trump’s assertion that the two sides had agreed to an energy ceasefire.
- The combination of the war in Iran – which has limited supplies and damaged refineries in the Middle East – and declining Russian exports has driven up diesel prices.
Zoom out: Sunday’s broadcasts and Rubio’s remarks provided the Trump team’s most detailed comments on Friday night’s executive order, which declines to use new powers under the law named in honor of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
- This decision avoids putting new pressure on China and India, two major buyers of Russian oil.
- Rubio said Trump wanted time to “analyze what imposing sanctions and tariffs would mean for the global economy and even the U.S. economy.”
Wright pointed out to ongoing negotiations with China over trade and the war in Ukraine, emphasizing to CNN that Trump retains the authority to impose sanctions later.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” defended the recent decisions by highlighting the administration’s sanctions on Russian oil and gas giants Rosneft and Lukoil in 2025.
- “No one has been tougher on Russian sanctions than President Trump,” he said.
The other side: A number of Republicans have criticized the White House.
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the lifting of sanctions “beyond irresponsible,” while Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said the late Lindsey Graham “would be appalled.”
- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called the waiver a “mistake” and Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) said the United States should increase pressure on Russia and requested a classified briefing on the decision.
What we’re looking at: As the midterm elections enter their frenetic final weeks, Republicans have shown a growing willingness to put distance between themselves and Trump.
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