US lawmakers move to block Russian oil purchases
U.S. lawmakers are preparing a bipartisan bill to ban Russian oil purchases after President Donald Trump eased restrictions on Russian diesel, prompting criticism from Republicans and Ukraine’s allies.
Fitzpatrick announces bipartisan legislation
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick announced on X that he plans to introduce the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act, which would block all purchases of Russian oil.
“We will be introducing bipartisan legislation to block any and all purchases of Russian oil,” Fitzpatrick wrote. He said the bill would be brought to a vote in the House of Representatives through a discharge petition and predicted it would pass by an overwhelming majority, according to The Moscow Times.
The initiative follows Trump’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel transactions, a move intended to increase fuel supplies amid pressure on energy markets. Critics argue that allowing Russian fuel back into international markets could provide Moscow with additional revenue while its war against Ukraine continues.
Republicans criticise Trump’s decision
Republican Congressman Don Bacon told Ukrainska Pravda that he considered the decision a serious mistake and a sign of weakness towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I think it is a serious mistake. It looks like a sign of weakness: the president is making concessions to Putin, who is a dictator and a war criminal. We should stand with democracy and Ukraine, a country that has been invaded and whose cities are being bombed,” Bacon said.
He added that several Republicans strongly opposed the decision and confirmed that he would support the proposed legislation banning Russian oil purchases.
Bacon argued that Washington should continue supporting Kyiv rather than prioritising economic interests. He also suggested that the administration’s decision could be linked to the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, pointing to polls that he said showed around 70% of Americans supported Ukraine.
“It gives the impression that he [Trump] is helping Putin, and that is a terrible and wrong decision. What he is doing is a disgrace to our country,” Bacon said.
Johnson and Kellogg also criticise the move
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also condemned the easing of restrictions, describing the decision as “disgusting” and arguing that it effectively forces American drivers to help finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Johnson rejected attempts to blame Kyiv for rising fuel prices, arguing that the increase followed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“If we want to bring Russian oil and gas back onto the world market, then we should end this war through the victory of a free, sovereign and independent Ukraine,” the former prime minister said.
Keith Kellogg, a retired U.S. general and former special envoy for Ukraine, said on Fox News that Putin could seek to use the diesel supply arrangement to shield Russian refineries from Ukrainian attacks.
“They [the Ukrainians] will keep striking, as they should. This is a military operation. This is a war, and they are acting correctly,” Kellogg said.
The dispute highlights divisions over how Washington should balance domestic fuel-price concerns with efforts to limit Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine. The proposed legislation would seek to prevent Russian oil purchases, challenging the administration’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
RELATED COVERAGE
