Lawmakers move to revoke 300,000-ton Russian diesel deal

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced legislation on October 24 to cancel a Treasury Department waiver that allows the import of Russian diesel fuel. The bill, sponsored by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, would also require intelligence agencies to maintain support for Ukraine's defense capabilities. The measure is currently under review by three House committees.

The Treasury waiver was issued on October 9 and authorizes transactions involving Russian diesel, including imports into the United States. It is set to expire on April 7, 2027. President Donald Trump announced the arrangement after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that Russia agreed to immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets. He defended the move as a strategy to expand global supplies and lower prices, noting that diesel costs have risen due to energy disruptions linked to the war in Iran.

Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, co-sponsored the bill with Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The legislation aims to bar any future waivers for Russian energy imports. It would also mandate that intelligence agencies notify congressional committees within 24 hours if Ukraine's defense support is interrupted. Fitzpatrick said the waiver undercuts a federal ban on Russian oil imports from 2022. He stated that the US must not import a single drop of Russian oil.

Bacon accused the president of reversing past criticism of Europe for buying Russian energy. He told RFE/RL that Congress must check the administration's approach. Gluesenkamp Perez argued that if the goal is lower gasoline prices, the administration should work to end the war in Iran rather than send money to Russia.

Simultaneously, eight lawmakers urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. They seek guaranteed satellite service for Ukraine, including restored connection speeds and coverage over Russian territory. The group includes Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin. They suggested using the Defense Production Act to ensure service decisions are not left solely to a private provider.

Ukrainian officials reported that restrictions imposed on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. These disruptions hindered the guidance of defensive drones. Ukrainian officials said connection speeds were restored on October 24. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that limits remained in place despite claims that service had been restored after contact with Elon Musk. A Ukrainian official said SpaceX had not explained the earlier limits to Kyiv.

Several Democrats are seeking answers regarding the satellite restrictions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the limits. Senator Richard Blumenthal demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for a government-wide investigation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Tillis wrote on X that whoever is giving Russia a more vulnerable Ukraine should put their name on it.