300,000 Tons of Russian Diesel Triggers New Bipartisan Bill

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bill on October 24 to cancel a recent waiver that allows the import of 300,000 metric tons of Russian diesel. The legislation, known as the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026, aims to reverse a decision made by the Trump administration that eased limits on Russian energy imports.

The bill is co-sponsored by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. It would void the Treasury Department waiver issued on October 9, which is set to expire on April 7, 2027. The measure also bars future waivers for Russian energy imports and requires intelligence agencies to notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any interruption in support for Ukraine.

President Donald Trump defended the diesel arrangement after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He stated that Russia agreed to provide more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets. Trump argued that the deal would expand global supplies and lower prices, a response to rising diesel costs linked to supply disruptions from the war in Iran.

Fitzpatrick, a co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said the waiver undermines the 2022 federal ban on Russian oil imports. He stated, "We must not import a single drop of Russian oil." Bacon told RFE/RL that Congress must check the president's actions, describing the move as "egregious appeasement to Putin." Gluesenkamp Perez argued that ending the war in Iran would be a more effective way to lower gasoline prices than directing American money toward Russia.

Simultaneously, eight lawmakers are demanding clarity on Ukraine's access to satellite communications. Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, and Mike Quigley, along with Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract. They want guaranteed uninterrupted service for Ukraine, including coverage over Russian territory.

The group cited Ukrainian reports that restrictions imposed on October 13 disrupted communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. These limits hindered the guidance of defensive drones. Although Ukrainian officials reported on October 24 that satellite connection speeds had been restored, the source of the initial restrictions remains unclear.

A Ukrainian official familiar with the matter said SpaceX had not explained the earlier limits to Kyiv. The official noted that while Kyiv has contacted the US government, no one has explained what happened or what will happen next. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the limits remained in place despite Trump's claim that service had been restored after contact with Elon Musk.

Several Democrats are seeking formal answers. Senator Peter Welch and Representative Gregory Meeks questioned Musk's claim that the military and the president decided on the restrictions, citing reports that Musk proposed them. Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded written answers from Musk by November 5 and a briefing by November 12. Representatives Sam Liccardo, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta have asked White House chief of staff Susie Wiles for a government-wide investigation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that Trump or other officials ordered or knew of the restrictions. Senator Thom Tillis wrote on X that whoever is handing Putin "the gift of a more vulnerable Ukraine" should "have the guts to put their name on it." The diesel bill has been sent to three House committees for review.