Lawmakers Challenge Russian Diesel Deal

Washington is pushing back on new policies that favor Moscow while restricting Kyiv's technology.

The dispute centers on two recent moves: a Treasury waiver for Russian diesel and limits on Ukrainian satellite use. A bipartisan coalition of representatives and senators has launched a coordinated effort to reverse both actions. They argue these steps weaken national security and Congress's oversight role.

The Treasury Department issued a waiver on October 9. It authorized transactions involving Russian diesel fuel, including direct imports into the United States. The waiver is scheduled to expire on April 7, 2027. President Trump announced the arrangement following 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 defended the deal as a method to expand global supplies and lower prices, citing energy disruptions from the war in Iran.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania introduced the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026. He is joined by Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. The bill would cancel the current waiver and bar future waivers for Russian energy imports. It also requires intelligence agencies to support Ukraine's defense and notify congressional committees within 24 hours of any service interruption. The measure is currently under review by three House committees.

Separate issues involve satellite communications. Reports indicate that Ukraine's use of SpaceX's Starlink and Starshield systems was restricted starting October 13. Ukrainian officials said the limits affected military operations, specifically disrupting communications for drones moving faster than 100 miles per hour. They reported on October 24 that connection speeds had been restored. However, a Ukrainian official noted that SpaceX has not explained the earlier limits. The official said Kyiv has contacted the US government but no one has clarified what happened or what will occur next.

Eight lawmakers, including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Mike Quigley, and Senators Mark Kelly, Thom Tillis, and Elissa Slotkin, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They urged him to expand the Pentagon's Starshield contract to guarantee uninterrupted service. The letter requested restored speeds and adequate coverage for military operations over Russian territory. The lawmakers suggested using the Defense Production Act to prevent service decisions from relying solely on a private provider.

Lawmakers are also seeking answers about who imposed the satellite limits. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Peter Welch questioned Elon Musk's claim that the military and president decided on the restrictions. 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 to launch a government-wide investigation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Trump or other officials ordered the restrictions. Senator Tillis wrote on X that whoever is making Ukraine more vulnerable should put their name on it.

Congress will hold committee hearings on the diesel bill in the coming weeks. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to schedule a vote on the measure before the end of the year. Lawmakers plan to continue their inquiry into the satellite restrictions until a clear chain of command is established.